Takaichi strengthens strategic cooperation with France on security and defense.

Takaichi strengthens strategic cooperation with France on security and defense.

[Japan-France Summit Meeting and Working Dinner (Summary)] 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 (1) 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. (2) 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 (1) 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.  (2) 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. (3) 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. (4) 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. (5) The two leaders welcomed the broad progress of Japanâ