Japan, Italy mark 160 years of ties

Japan’s prime minister Sanae Takaichi hosted Italy’s premier Georgia Meloni in Tokyo as the two nations celebrated 160 years of diplomatic relations, using the milestone to pledge deeper cooperation across political, economic, security and cultural fields. Leaders framed the anniversary as a chance to “elevate” bilateral ties and agreed on a programme of strengthened political coordination and expanded economic engagement, targeting trade, investment and industrial collaboration. Key economic priorities include advanced manufacturing, infrastructure development, energy transition and new technologies, with both governments stressing closer links between businesses and research institutions to drive sustainable growth and innovation.

Supply-chain resilience emerged as a central focus, with the two sides highlighting cooperation on critical minerals and other strategic inputs. Officials said coordinated efforts to diversify and secure supply routes will bolster industrial competitiveness and reduce vulnerabilities amid shifting global trade patterns. Complementing economic measures, Japan and Italy underscored the need for shared approaches to emerging technologies and industrial standards to ensure interoperability and mutual benefit.

Security cooperation also featured prominently. The leaders reiterated their commitment to upholding international law and maintaining regional and global stability, noting the importance of collaboration among like-minded countries as geopolitical tensions evolve. Both countries pointed to their roles within multilateral forums such as the G7 as platforms for aligning policies on security, economic governance and rule-based order.

Cultural and people-to-people ties were reaffirmed as foundational to the bilateral relationship. Officials highlighted decades of educational exchanges, tourism, and cultural initiatives that have fostered mutual understanding and enduring public connections. Enhancing academic partnerships and facilitating greater mobility for students, researchers and professionals were presented as practical steps to deepen social and intellectual bonds.

Looking forward, Tokyo and Rome committed to regular high-level dialogue and concrete joint projects that build on their long history of engagement, noting the anniversary as not merely a retrospective but a springboard for a forward-looking partnership responsive to global challenges.