Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and her Italian counterpart Giorgia Meloni agreed on Monday to deepen cooperation in advanced technologies such as semiconductors and strengthen supply chains for critical minerals to bolster economic security while advancing defence ties.

The two leaders also welcomed a preliminary agreement between the United States and Iran intended to end their war that triggered global oil supply disruptions, before their planned participation in a Group of Seven summit beginning later in the day in Evian-les-Bains, France.

“Ensuring freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz is a matter of critical importance for the international community, including Japan and Italy,” Takaichi said at a joint press event with Meloni after their talks.

Their meeting came as the two countries mark the 160th anniversary of diplomatic relations this year and seek closer ties across a wide range of fields, particularly on supply chains amid concerns about over-reliance on China for critical minerals essential to hi-tech industries. Meloni also held talks with Takaichi in January in Tokyo.

“Giorgia and I have also agreed to work closely as special strategic partners on issues such as the Middle East, the war in Ukraine and security in East Asia, including China and North Korea,” Takaichi said.

In the technology arena, the leaders pledged to support broader cooperation between Japan’s Rapidus, a state-backed chip venture seeking to manufacture advanced semiconductors domestically, and an Italian semiconductor design firm. They also decided to promote joint efforts to address space debris and expand collaboration in satellite data analysis.