Japan-Italy Leaders' Meeting Elevates Bilateral Relations
On January 16th in Japan time, Japanese Prime Minister Hashimoto Sanae held a meeting with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, who was visiting Japan as an official guest, and jointly attended a working lunch and a joint press conference. In addition, the two heads of state issued a "Japan-Italy Joint Statement." Both leaders expressed serious concerns about all forms of economic coercion, as well as non-market policies and practices that disrupt the global supply chains of critical materials and components, cause other market distortions including excessive production, and the use of export controls.
This is the first time in history that two female prime ministers from Japan and Italy have met face-to-face for a bilateral meeting. At the beginning of the meeting, PM Hashimoto stated: "I hope to further confirm and deepen the special relationship between our two countries." PM Meloni responded: "I believe the cooperation between Japan and Italy is very important."
This year marks the important milestone of the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. The two sides decided to further develop their relationship on the basis of the existing "strategic partnership" and deepen cooperation in more extensive fields.
The two sides agreed to position their bilateral relationship as a "special strategic partner" to pursue higher-level development and strengthen cooperation in areas such as economic security.
PM Hashimoto welcomed PM Meloni with a "hug." The two leaders confirmed during the meeting that, in addition to strengthening cooperation in areas such as security, economy, and personnel exchanges, they will also cooperate in the field of economic security, including considerations of relevant country's regulatory measures and enhancing the supply chain of critical minerals. The two leaders emphasized in the joint statement that ensuring a free and fair economic order, economic security, and enhancing the resilience of both Japan and Italy's economies are crucial. Both sides committed to supporting each other through their respective industrial systems and strengthening supply chains, cooperating on economic security and resilience within the framework of action plans, and enhancing cooperation in key raw materials. Both sides also expressed serious concerns about all forms of economic coercion, as well as non-market policies and practices that disrupt the global supply chains of critical materials and components, causing other market distortions including excessive production, and the use of export controls.
The two sides confirmed that they will further strengthen cooperation in the fields of security and defense, including the joint development of next-generation fighters by Japan, Italy, and the UK, and welcomed the smooth progress of planned defense cooperation projects this year.
The two heads of state confirmed that they will work together to promote the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" (FOIP). Additionally, both sides agreed to enhance cooperation in promoting a just and lasting peace in Ukraine and in their policies toward Africa.
After the meeting, a seminar with female cabinet members was also held, with Japan's Minister of Finance Katayama and Minister for Economic Security Kono田 attending.
Source: rfi
Original: toutiao.com/article/1854475554426954/
Statement: This article represents the views of the author himself.