(Press Release: Provisional Translation)
July , 2024
Ministry of Defense Japan
On July 23, commencing at 8:55 (local time) for approximately 1 hour, Minister KIHARA held a Defense Ministerial Meeting at London with The Hon. Guido Crosetto, Minister of Defence, Italian Republic.
- At the beginning of the meeting, Minster Kihara paid tribute to the Italian leadership as the Presidency of the G7 in the current severe international situation.
- The Ministers were pleased that “the Japan-Italy Action Plan” and commencement of formal negotiations on “the Agreement on the Japan-Italy Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA)” were announced at the Japan-Italy Prime Minister’s informal Talks in June, as a proof of further strengthening for our bilateral relations in addition to the joint development of the next-generation fighter.
- Minister Crosetto explained about the port calls of the Italian vessels and the aircraft visits to Japan from Italy. Minister Kihara thanked that Italy has attached importance to the Indo-pacific region and cooperations with Japan.
- The Ministers concurred to continue to work closely together towards further deepening Japan-Italy defense cooperation and exchanges.