(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
Giorgia Meloni visited Japan and talked with Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Prime Minister and last year’s G7 Presidency
On February 5, for approximately 50 minutes, Mr. Kishida Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, met with H.E. Ms. Giorgia Meloni, President of the Council of Ministers of the Italian Republic, followed by a working dinner held for approximately 55 minutes.
Here is an overview of the events are as follows.
Opening remarks
At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed President Meloni for her visit to Japan and stated that he would like to have a robust discussion to ensure the success of Italy’s G7 Presidency this year, and to further promote the significant progress of Japan-Italy relations in recent years.
In response, President Meloni stated that she would like to carry on the achievements of last year’s Japan’s G7 Presidency and to further promote bilateral relations.
G7
Prime Minister Kishida explained the achievements of Japan’s G7 Presidency,stating that discussions at last year’s G7 Hiroshima Summit focused on two perspectives: the rule of law and strengthening relations with partners beyond the G7, and that the G7 was able to demonstrate unity in addressing the situation in Ukraine, nuclear disarmament, the Indo-Pacific, economic security, AI, global issues and others.
In response, President Meloni praised Japan’s leadership as the G7 Presidency last year, and stated that Italy, as the G7 Presidency this year, would like to continue to engage on the basis of the achievements of the Japan’s G7 Presidency, and outlined Italy’s priority issues. Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan will spare no effort to cooperate for the success of this year’s G7 Puglia Summit, and the two leaders concurred to continue to work closely together.
Bilateral relations
Prime Minister Kishida appreciated the progress in concrete cooperation projects in various fields with Italy, a strategic partner. Particularly, Prime Minister Kishida welcomed the progress of cooperation in the field of defense and security, such as joint naval exercises and port calls by naval vessels including aircraft carrier strike group, as well as the joint development of next-generation fighter aircraft by Japan, Italy and the UK, which is proceeding as planned. The two leaders concurred to make further efforts for the smooth progress of the joint development.
Regarding the economic area, touching upon the entry into force of the Social Security Agreement in April this year and cooperation on semiconductors, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he would like to strengthen economic relations through the cooperation between public and private sectors.
President Meloni welcomed the deepening of Japan-Italy relations in various areas and expressed her desire for close communication in various areas, including space, science and technology, to further strengthen relations.
Regional and international issues
(1) The two leaders shared the view that it is extremely important to cooperate with developing and emerging countries, the so-called “Global South” in addressing the various challenges of the international community. The two leaders concurred to continue to work together to develop concrete measures of cooperation as G7.
(2) On the situation surrounding Israel and Palestine, recognizing the critical importance of improving the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip and reviewing the efforts made by the G7 last year, the two leaders concurred to intensify efforts at this year’s G7 summit meeting under the Italian Presidency toward the immediate release of the hostages, improving the humanitarian situation, and calming down the situation.
(3) Regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the two leaders shared the recognition that the role of the G7 in leading the international community’s response is extremely important, and concurred to continue to work closely together at this year’s G7 summit meetings under the Italian Presidency.
(4) The two leaders also exchanged views on the response to North Korea, including the nuclear and missiles issue and the abductions issue, as well as on the situation in East Asia including China, and concurred to work closely together, including at the G7 summit meeting.
(5) With regard to artificial intelligence (AI), Prime Minister Kishida welcomed Italy’s commitment to carry on the achievements of the G7 Hiroshima Summit. Both leaders confirmed that the G7 will continue to take a leading role in the realization of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI.
Republication of the article from Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
Here is the original article
