Japan-Italy Relations
Japan-Italy Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
November 4, 2022
On November 4, commencing at 0:40 p.m. (local time; November 4, 8:40 p.m. JST) for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting Germany to attend the G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting, held a meeting with the H.E. Mr. Antonio TAJANI, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Italian Republic. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi congratulated Minister Tajani on his appointment and expressed his desire to continue to closely cooperate with Italy, an important partner, in dealing with Russia's aggression against Ukraine and in realizing a 'Free and Open Indo-Pacific'. In response, Minister Tajani stated that he attaches great importance to relations with Japan and would like to further strengthen bilateral relations in various fields, including cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
- The two Ministers concurred to consider specific cooperation in various fields in order to further deepen the cooperation between Japan and Italy. Minister Hayashi requested Italy’s cooperation towards the early lifting of import measures on Japanese food products by the EU.
- The two Ministers affirmed the importance of addressing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine under the continued collaboration of the G7.
- The two Ministers also exchanged views on regional affairs including China and North Korea, and have affirmed to continue to work together in addressing North Korea, such as its series of ballistic missiles launches including on November 3, which could have been a launch of an ICBM.
- The two Ministers concurred on the close collaboration between Japan, which will hold the G7 Presidency next year, and Italy, which will take over the Presidency the year after.