Japan and Italy are ramping up collaboration in advanced tech and critical minerals. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and Italy's Giorgia Meloni met Monday amid growing worries about reliance on China for key resources in high-tech sectors. This year marks 160 years of diplomatic ties, setting scene for renewed commitment .
Leaders stressed need to strengthen supply chains for critical minerals,vital for economic security. Takaichi said they'll act as special strategic partners on global issues like Middle East,war in Ukraine,and security challenges from North Korea,China.
Tech-wise,both backed more cooperation between Japan's state-backed chip venture,Rapidus,and an Italian semiconductor design firm. Goal: boost Japan's domestic semiconductor manufacturing.
Takaichi and Meloni also welcomed a U.S.-Iran preliminary deal aimed at resolving their conflict,which has hit global oil supply hard. Their meeting comes before a Group of Seven summit,where these topics will likely resurface…
