"Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni reaffirmed her country’s commitment to a ‘special strategic partnership’ between Rome and Tokyo at a joint press conference with her Japanese counterpart Sanae Takaichi at a press conference in Tokyo on Friday. “The digital revolution, the energy transition, the geo-economic fragmentation, the instability that from exception is becoming the norm. I am convinced that in such a scenario, which holds many uncertainties but also many opportunities - because, as always, crises bring opportunities - Italy and Japan together can make a difference,” she said. The Italian Prime Minister expressed eagerness to boost cooperation with Japan in defence and economy, identified as priority fields by the Japan-Italy Action Plan 2024-2027. In addition, Meloni advocated for increased cooperation in science and technology. “The complementarity between our production systems, our vocation for export, the quality of our industrial interactions allow us to increase synergies, to enhance mutual investments in high value-added areas, from robotics to emerging technologies, from economic spending to clean energy, from mechanics to life sciences, from infrastructure to defence, space,” she said. The Japanese Prime Minister echoed Meloni’s statements, highlighting the ‘complex crises’ on the global stage.  “The strategic environment of the Indo-Pacific is becoming increasingly severe. In this context, to ensure peace and prosperity for both countries and the entire region, close cooperation among like-minded countries is more important than ever,” Takaichi said. Meloni took off for Japan on Thursday - January 15 - her 49th birthday. “Together with the Japanese people, I wish to celebrate Giorgia's birthday, best wishes, and this made me reflect on a new beginning in the relations between Japan and Italy,” she said. The three-day official visit marks the 160th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan."