Meloni and Takaichi Forge 'Special Strategic Partnership'
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni concluded a significant three-day official working visit to Japan on Saturday, January 17, 2026, aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and addressing global challenges. During her visit, Prime Minister Meloni met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, marking Ms. Takaichi's first meeting with a European leader since taking office in October. The leaders announced the elevation of their bilateral relationship from a 'strategic partnership' to a 'special strategic partnership,' underscoring a deepening alignment between the two G7 nations.
The visit coincided with the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan, providing a backdrop for discussions on a wide range of issues. In a joint opinion piece published in Nikkei Asia, both leaders emphasized their shared responsibility to 'help shape the future international order' and to 'defend a free, fair and open international order' amidst global instability.
Key Areas of Enhanced Cooperation
Discussions between Prime Minister Meloni and Prime Minister Takaichi covered several critical areas, reflecting a convergence of strategic interests:
- Economic Security and Critical Minerals: Both nations agreed to strengthen cooperation in economic security and the supply chains of critical minerals, aiming to reduce dependence on specific countries.
- Defense and Security: A significant focus was placed on bolstering defense cooperation, including progress on the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP), a trilateral initiative with the United Kingdom to develop a next-generation fighter jet. The leaders also committed to promoting a 'free and open Indo-Pacific' and enhancing cooperation between the Mediterranean and Indo-Pacific regions.
- Global Governance: Italy and Japan pledged to strengthen coordination within multilateral organizations such as the G7 and the United Nations. Italy currently holds the G7 Presidency for 2024.
- Space Cooperation: The two countries confirmed plans to establish a consultative body to promote cooperation in space.
- Engagement with Africa: Discussions also touched upon collaboration in Africa, aligning with Italy's 'Mattei Plan' strategy and Japan's 'TICAD' experience, focusing on mutually beneficial partnerships.
Trade and Investment
Japan stands as Italy's third-largest trading partner in Asia, with bilateral trade volumes reaching approximately $11.6 billion. During her visit, Prime Minister Meloni also met with CEOs of major Japanese companies that have investments and interests in Italy, seeking to foster new industrial partnerships and encourage further investment.
Broader Context and Future Outlook
The visit, which began on Thursday, January 15, also notably coincided with Prime Minister Meloni's birthday. Japanese social media users affectionately dubbed the meeting the 'SanaMelo Summit,' highlighting the rare encounter between two conservative female leaders. This visit follows Prime Minister Meloni's previous trip to Japan in early 2024, where she met with then-Prime Minister Fumio Kishida. The enhanced partnership is expected to accelerate the implementation of the 2024-2027 Italy-Japan Action Plan, further solidifying their strategic alignment on global and regional issues.
5 Comments
BuggaBoom
Progress on GCAP and enhanced defense cooperation is a smart strategic move. Very encouraging.
Loubianka
It's positive to see Italy and Japan coordinating within multilateral bodies like the G7 for global governance. However, the strong emphasis on defense and 'shaping the international order' could unintentionally be perceived as confrontational by other nations.
Katchuka
Another 'special partnership' announced that will likely yield little tangible benefit. Just political optics.
Mariposa
Boosting economic ties and trade is generally beneficial for both countries, diversifying markets and investment. However, the strong 'strategic' framing suggests a military focus that might divert resources from urgent domestic needs and social programs.
Africa
The commitment to a 'free and open international order' sounds noble, especially on the 160th anniversary of diplomatic ties. Still, the specifics on how this partnership plans to tackle global instability without escalating geopolitical tensions remain rather vague.