Japan-Italy Relations

1. At the outset, President Gentiloni expressed his gratitude for the congratulatory message he received from Prime Minister Abe upon his appointment as President in December last year. In response, Prime Minister Abe once again congratulated President Gentiloni on his appointment, and stated that he was looking forward to working with him.

2. The two leaders shared the view that as the G7 chairs of the last year and this year, Japan and Italy would lead the response to the challenges of the international community. Additionally, given that both Japan and Italy are non-permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) this year, the two leaders confirmed that the two countries would also cooperate closely at the UNSC, including response to North Korea.

3. Prime Minister Abe explained that at the G7 Ise-Shima Summit, the G7 made a strong commitment to use all policy tools of monetary and fiscal policy as well as structural reforms, in response to the downside risks facing the global economy. He expressed the view that an emphasis should be placed on responding robustly to downside risks at this year’s G7 Summit also.

4. The two leaders shared the view that amid growing concern about protectionism in the world, it would be important for the G7 to consistently convey that free and open economies are the very cornerstone of peace and prosperity. Also from this standpoint, they confirmed that Japan and Italy would continue to work together to achieve an agreement in principle on the Japan-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) as early as possible.

5. The two leaders confirmed that they would coordinate closely toward the success of this year’s G7 Summit, including by further advancing the major agendas of the G7 Ise-Shima Summit and holding frank discussions in the fields of politics and diplomacy. They also shared the view that they would further strengthen cooperation in various fields in Japan-Italy bilateral relations.