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Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi said Friday that she and her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni agreed to strengthen supply chains of critical minerals, Kyodo reports.
The two countries, both among Group of Seven of industrialized nations, also decided to upgrade their current "strategic" partnership to a "special strategic" partnership to strengthen ties in various fields, including security and culture, Takaichi told a joint press appearance with Meloni after their meeting in Tokyo, according to Kyodo.
Japan and Italy share concerns over China, a dominant producer of rare earths which are essential for cutting-edge products.
They also confirmed that Japan and Italy will establish a consultative body to promote cooperation in space.
"As the international community faces a complex crisis and the strategic environment surrounding the Indo-Pacific region has become severe, close collaboration between like-minded countries has become more important than ever," Takaichi said.
With this year marking the 160th anniversary of bilateral diplomatic ties, the two governments are arranging a joint statement, according to Japanese government officials.