Italy-Japan Strategic Partnership Deepened in Rome Meeting
On 15 June 2026 Italy’s prime minister Giorgia Meloni hosted Japanese premier Sanae Takaichi at Villa Doria Pamphilj in Rome. The talks were part of a European mission preceding the G7 summit in Evian and marked the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Both leaders reviewed progress since their January meeting in Tokyo and announced new initiatives to reinforce the Special Strategic Partnership.
Key areas of cooperation highlighted were: - Economic security: a bilateral mechanism on value‑chain resilience was launched, and trade figures were noted – €12.3 billion in 2025 with a €4.4 billion surplus for Italy, and about €3 billion in the first quarter of 2026 with a €1 billion surplus. There are 166 Italian firms operating in Japan, generating roughly €3 billion in turnover. - Space and defence: a joint declaration will boost collaboration between the two space agencies, and both countries continue participation in the Global Combat Air Programme with the United Kingdom to develop a sixth‑generation fighter. - Strategic alignment: the leaders reaffirmed joint positions on the war in Ukraine, the Middle‑East peace process, the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, Indo‑Pacific stability and diversification of critical minerals.
Meloni said, “When we met in Tokyo we set concrete goals and, as two women leading our nations, we have already achieved them,” while Takaichi praised the partnership as “breaking the glass ceiling” for women in politics. The meeting also looked ahead to the G20 summit in December, where further cooperation is expected to be discussed.