Italy marks 160 years with Japan while reaffirming transatlantic partnership

Italy commemorated the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations with Japan at a reception hosted by the Japanese ambassador in Rome. The ceremony highlighted the Special Strategic Partnership between the two countries, stressing cooperation in security, space, advanced technology, defence and supply‑chain resilience amid global challenges such as the Russia‑Ukraine war and tensions in the Indo‑Pacific.

On the same day, President Sergio Mattarella sent a July 4 message to the United States, underscoring shared democratic values, multilateralism and the necessity of continued Italy‑U.S. cooperation for peace, security and prosperity. The communiqué referenced the ongoing war in Ukraine, strategic competition with China and instability in the Middle East as reasons to keep the transatlantic alliance strong while preserving Italy’s sovereign diplomatic posture.