Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his visiting Italian counterpart, Matteo Renzi, agreed Monday to strengthen bilateral security and economic ties, and cooperate further on a wide range of global issues.
¡°It¡¯s significant that Matteo and I confirmed to expand the Japan-Italy cooperative relations and shore up cooperation in addressing various issues for the international community,¡± Abe said at a joint news conference following their summit at the prime minister¡¯s office.
Abe said Renzi gave his support to the security bills currently under deliberation in the Diet to expand the overseas role of the Self-Defense Forces.
In a bid to strengthen bilateral security ties, they reached effective agreement on a Japan-Italy information security agreement, Abe said.
Renzi said he would like to expand bilateral ties in the economic and trade areas.
¡°Trade between Italy and Japan has surpassed €8 billion (about ?1.09 trillion), which has more potential for development,¡± the 40-year-old prime minister said through an interpreter.
To that end, it¡¯s important to conclude a free trade agreement currently being negotiated by Japan and the European Union for the elimination of nontariff barriers, Renzi said.
Abe said he and Renzi agreed to work toward reaching a broad agreement by the end of the year.
On the international front, the two leaders pledged to work together to thoroughly implement the rule of law at sea, including in East Asia, Abe said in an apparent reference to China¡¯s growing assertiveness in the East China Sea.
They also confirmed their commitment to help resolve the Ukrainian crisis, according to Abe.
Earlier Monday, Renzi stressed the importance of further expanding cultural relations during a lecture at Tokyo University of the Arts, pledging to boost exchanges between universities in Italy and Japan in light of the 150th anniversary next year of the establishment of bilateral diplomatic relations.
Renzi also had an audience with Emperor Akihito at the Imperial Palace.
After serving as mayor of Florence, Renzi became Italy¡¯s youngest prime minister at age 39 in February 2014.
Renzi will visit the city of Kyoto on Tuesday to inspect traditional crafts and give a lecture before wrapping up his three-day visit. This year marks the 50th anniversary of sister-city ties between Florence and Kyoto.
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