Japan-France Relations
Japan-France Summit Meeting and Working Dinner
April 1, 2026
On April 1, commencing at 6:00 p.m. for approximately two hours and 10 minutes, Ms. TAKAICHI Sanae, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit meeting with H.E. Mr. Emmanuel Macron, President of the French Republic, who was paying an Official Visit to Japan. Following the meeting, the two leaders attended a signing ceremony for the Japan–France Joint Leaders’ Statement, a joint press announcement, and a working dinner. The overview is as follows:
1. Opening Remarks
- At the outset, Prime Minister TAKAICHI stated that, amid the increasingly severe international security environment, the security of the Euro-Atlantic and the Indo-Pacific is closely interconnected, and that cooperation among like-minded countries has become even more important. She emphasized that France is an “Exceptional Partner” that shares values and principles with Japan, and recognizing France as an Indo-Pacific nation with territories in the region, she expressed Japan’s intention to further strengthen strategic cooperation with France in areas such as security, defense, and economic security.
- In response, President Macron stated that Japan–France cooperation has made significant progress across a wide range of fields. He expressed his intention to further strengthen bilateral relations together with Prime Minister TAKAICHI, and to work closely within the framework of the G7, which France serves as the Presidency this year.
2. Bilateral Relations
- The two leaders welcomed the holding of the Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting ("2+2"), which served as opportunities to demonstrate the deepening of security and defense cooperation between the two countries, amid the accelerating changes in the security environment.
- The two leaders shared serious concerns regarding export controls on critical minerals and other materials that could affect global supply chains, and concurred on further strengthening strategic cooperation in the field of economic security, including enhancing supply chain resilience for critical minerals.
- The two leaders welcomed the holding of the Japan–France Joint Committee on Cooperation in Science and Technology with the participation of ministers from both countries, and confirmed that they would continue to strategically cooperate in the field of science and technology. They also confirmed that they would deepen cooperation on advanced technologies including AI and dual-use technologies, and coordinate toward launching a high-level dialogue on AI and hosting the AI Summit in Japan. They also concurred on strengthening cooperation in the innovation and startup sectors between Japan and France.
- In the field of nuclear energy, the two leaders confirmed that they would strengthen cooperation in areas such as the development of fast reactors and the promotion of the nuclear fuel cycle as well as in the area of fusion energy.
- The two leaders welcomed the broad progress of Japan–France space cooperation and confirmed the importance of private sector cooperation between the two countries.
- In the cultural domain, looking ahead to the 170th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and France in 2028, the two leaders welcomed the establishment of a working group to prepare for commemorative events, and confirmed their intention to further develop cultural exchanges.
3. Regional Issues
- The two leaders exchanged views on the situation in the Indo-Pacific, such as China and their policies toward North Korea, including on the missile and nuclear issues as well as the abductions issue, and confirmed that Japan and France, both Indo-Pacific nations, would continue to work closely together.
- Regarding the situation in the Middle East, including the current urgent issue in Iran, the two leaders affirmed the importance of ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz and concurred on continuing close communication toward ensuring the stable supply of critical materials and the early de-escalation of the situation.
- On the situation in Ukraine, the two leaders shared the view that they would continue to closely cooperate for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine while promoting assistance to Ukraine.
