Tokyo hosted a significant diplomatic engagement as Japan welcomed Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni for a summit meeting aimed at strengthening bilateral relations at a time of growing global uncertainty. With the international community facing overlapping political, economic, and security challenges, both leaders emphasized that close collaboration among trusted partners is more important than ever.
Japan and Italy, nations that share democratic values and fundamental principles, have steadily expanded cooperation across multiple fields. This year marks the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, a milestone that provided a meaningful backdrop to the summit. During the meeting, both sides confirmed that Japan–Italy relations are poised to rise to new heights, moving forward from their existing strategic partnership toward deeper and more comprehensive cooperation.
Beyond formal diplomacy, the meeting also highlighted the strengthening of personal ties between the two leaders, who agreed to deepen their relationship, even addressing each other by their first names “Giorgia” and “Sanae” symbolizing growing mutual trust and warmth.
Substantive discussions covered a wide range of areas, including security, the economy, economic security, space, science and technology, and the strengthening of supply chains for critical minerals. The leaders also exchanged views on pressing international issues such as developments in the Indo-Pacific region and the situation in Ukraine, reaffirming their commitment to closer coordination on global challenges.
Italy’s active engagement with Japan’s future-oriented initiatives was also highlighted. Following strong impressions made by Italy’s pavilion, which won a gold award at the Osaka–Kansai Expo, Italy has announced its participation in the GREEN×EXPO in Yokohama in 2027, a move warmly welcomed by Japan.
The summit also included thoughtful cultural exchanges. As a gesture of goodwill, Japan presented Prime Minister Meloni with Sanrio collaboration merchandise, knowing her daughter’s fondness for the brand, along with Edo Kiriko earrings reflecting traditional Japanese craftsmanship, and Sanrio glasses for her daughter.
Adding a personal and memorable touch to the visit, the luncheon hosted in Tokyo featured a surprise celebration of Prime Minister Meloni’s birthday, which had been the previous day. A cake was presented, and “Happy Birthday” was sung in Italian, creating a warm and joyful moment. Prime Minister Meloni shared that she had wished to spend her birthday in Japan, a sentiment received with heartfelt appreciation.
The summit underscored not only the deepening strategic alignment between Japan and Italy, but also the human connections that continue to strengthen their long-standing friendship as both nations look toward a future of enhanced cooperation and shared global responsibility.
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