[Title] Japan-Italy Joint Statement

1. Prime Minister TAKAICHI Sanae and President of the Council of Ministers Giorgia MELONI had a summit meeting in Tokyo on January 16, 2026, symbolically marking the launch of the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Japan and Italy. They welcomed the fact that both sides are planning to organize a series of events to mark this important anniversary.

2. The two leaders, the first women to lead the governments of their respective nations, reaffirmed the historical bond of friendship and collaboration existing between Japan and Italy, united by shared principles, common interests and a firm commitment to protecting the international order based on the rule of law and promoting peace, prosperity and stability across the globe. Reviewing the extensive range of cooperation developed under the bilateral 2024-2027 Action Plan and in light of the common desire to continue to expand bilateral ties in all sectors, the two leaders redefined the relations between Japan and Italy as a "Special Strategic Partnership".

3. The two leaders reaffirmed their determination to continue working together to ensure a Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP) based on the rule of law, and expressed their aim to promote further collaboration between FOIP and Global Mediterranean. They reaffirmed their shared recognition that the security of Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is strongly interrelated. In this context, Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed the planned visit of Italian naval vessels to Japan this year.

4. The two leaders welcomed the enhanced cooperation in the political, security and defense sectors ensured by the regular Japan-Italy Foreign Ministry Strategic Dialogues and Politico-Military Dialogues, joint training activities and military exercises that now benefit from the Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA), which entered into force in September 2025.

5. They expressed satisfaction for the progress of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), aimed at jointly developing with the United Kingdom the next-generation fighter aircraft, and confirmed the importance of achieving the goal of delivering the first aircraft in 2035. They also welcomed the ongoing discussions to expand the opportunities for new defense equipment and technology cooperation.

6. They underscored the importance, for both Japan and Italy, of ensuring free and fair economic order and economic security and of enhancing the resilience of their economies. They are committed to collaborating with each other on economic security and resilience under the Action Plan, to mutually support and strengthen their supply chains, including through their industrial systems, and to enhance cooperation regarding critical raw materials. They shared grave concern for all forms of economic coercion and for use of non-market policies and practices and use of export restrictions which disrupt global supply chains for key goods and components, and cause other forms of market distortions, including overcapacity.

7. The two leaders are committed to promoting trade and facilitating market access under the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement, with a view to enhancing the presence of agricultural products across both markets and ensuring mutual protection of the Geographical Indications recognized under the Agreement.

8. The two leaders confirmed their intention to further promote bilateral scientific and technological cooperation in advanced areas such as AI robotics, semiconductors and biomanufacturing, as well as to facilitate the expansion of industrial partnerships, direct investments and trade flows in both directions, especially in high-tech sectors. They welcomed existing cooperation and new opportunities between Japanese and Italian companies and start-ups in several areas, including infrastructure, transportation, pharmaceuticals, energy, space, semiconductors and information technologies. They also shared the view to work towards further improving the investment environment in Japan and Italy. In this context, the two leaders recognized the contribution of the Italy-Japan Business Group to further deepening economic relations between Japan and Italy.

9. The two leaders shared the view to further strengthen space cooperation to foster economic growth and innovation, building on already established collaborations such as the one between the Italian Space Agency (ASI) and the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA). To this end, they concurred on holding a space consultation to promote new commercial, industrial, security and scientific partnerships, as well as to coordinate in relevant multilateral fora to promote the peaceful, responsible and sustainable use of outer space.

10. The two leaders welcomed the cooperation between the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security of the Italian Republic (MASE) and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan (METI) in the clean energy sector and energy security such as the Belém 4x Pledge on Sustainable Fuels launched at the 30th session of the Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP30) and the Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC) on gas security, and initiatives to promote global resilience, such as the Adaptation Accelerator Hub launched during the Italian G7 Presidency, and are committed to continuing cooperating in these matters.

11. The two leaders concurred on the importance of sharing knowledge and experience in disaster risk reduction. They welcomed the initiative to commence expert consultations between Japan and Italy to coordinate closely in contingency planning for potential evacuation of our respective nationals overseas. The two leaders also affirmed their commitment to promote bilateral technical cooperation in the construction, operation and maintenance of long span bridges, in order to support infrastructure projects in Japan and Italy.

12. Prime Minister MELONI praised Japan for the success of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, confirmed by the very large number of visitors from all over the world, and Prime Minister TAKAICHI appreciated Italy's significant contribution to the success of the Expo through the extraordinary Italian Pavilion, one of the most popular of the entire Expo and a powerful showcase of Italian creativity, heritage and innovation. Prime Minister TAKAICHI welcomed Prime Minister MELONI's announcement on Italy's participation in GREEN×EXPO 2027 which will be held in Yokohama.

13. The two leaders welcomed the positive impact on bilateral cooperation of the Japan-Italy Film Co-production Agreement in just one year of operation and decided to further strengthen partnerships between the cultural and creative industries of Japan and Italy to enhance cultural dialogue, support talents and create new business opportunities. They also expressed satisfaction for the planned entry into force of the Working Holiday Agreement this year.

14. The two leaders also had an exchange of views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The two leaders renewed their determination to continue to work together to achieve a just and lasting peace in Ukraine. They exchanged views on the situations in the Indo-Pacific, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea. They strongly opposed any unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion, reemphasizing the universal and unified character of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the legal framework for governing all activities in the oceans and the seas. They strongly condemned North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs and reaffirmed their commitment to the complete denuclearization of North Korea in accordance with the relevant UN Security Council resolutions. They expressed their serious concerns over and the need to address together North Korea's malicious cyber activities including cryptocurrency thefts, and increasing military cooperation with Russia. They urged North Korea to resolve the abductions issue immediately. The two leaders discussed the situation in the Middle East and shared the view that they would continue to work for the stabilization and the reconstruction of Gaza and reaffirmed their commitment to the realization of a two-state solution.

15. They exchanged views on a number of issues of global relevance, including migration,the digital and energy transitions, as well as on common efforts to strengthen partnership to support development in Africa through the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) and the Mattei Plan.

16. PrimeMinisterMELONIextendedaninvitationtoPrimeMinisterTAKAICHItovisitItalyat the first opportunity.