Overview
- After a summit in Tokyo on Friday, Prime Ministers Sanae Takaichi and Giorgia Meloni issued a joint statement to expand cooperation on economic security and defense.
- The statement commits both countries to strengthen critical‑mineral and broader supply chains to reduce dependence on any single supplier.
- Security plans include promoting a free and open Indo‑Pacific, linking Mediterranean and Indo‑Pacific cooperation, and continuing Italian force deployments to the region.
- The leaders agreed to launch dialogue on space cooperation focused on peaceful uses, alongside broader science and technology collaboration.
- The upgrade builds on a 2024 Action Plan, a reciprocal ACSA logistics pact, and ongoing next‑generation fighter development with the United Kingdom, as the two leaders also showcased personal rapport with a birthday serenade and gifts.