Overview
- Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi signed a 16-point declaration in Tokyo to deepen a strategic partnership.
- The text calls for resilient supply chains and free, rules‑based commerce while voicing grave concern over economic coercion, non‑market practices, and export restrictions.
- Defense cooperation was reaffirmed through the Global Combat Air Programme with the United Kingdom, targeting first delivery of the next‑generation fighter in 2035.
- Cooperation will expand across advanced technologies and resources, including energy, space, AI, robotics, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and critical minerals.
- The leaders also underscored multilateralism and coordination on engagement with Africa via Italy’s Piano Mattei and Japan’s TICAD, while highlighting personal rapport with a joint AI‑edited photo.