Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae / During Giorgia’s visit to Japan in this milestone year marking 160 years of diplomatic relations, we have decided to elevate our bilateral relationship to special strategic partners.

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi’s remarks came after she met with Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni on January 16.

The move comes amid China's export restrictions on rare earths.

The two leaders confirmed they would strengthen cooperation in economic security areas, including enhancing the resilience of supply chains for critical minerals. 

They also agreed to establish a new framework for discussions on technological cooperation in space development.

Meloni said that a warm friendship developed immediately between her and Takaichi, and that the two were very much on the same wavelength, expressing her intention to further strengthen Italy-Japan ties.

This was the first face-to-face summit meeting between Takaichi and Meloni. 

They emphasized their closeness by addressing each other by first names, calling each other “Giorgia” and “Sanae.”