Japan, EU Seek Closer Alliance in Many Sectors

(MENAFN) In a significant diplomatic engagement held in Tokyo, Japan and the European Union have pledged to intensify their strategic alliance through expanded defense coordination, greater supply chain security, and a renewed dedication to a rules-based international framework.

These shared objectives were laid out in a collaborative statement following a high-level summit that brought together Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, European Council President Antonio Costa, and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

Highlighting that “the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific are interconnected,” both parties committed to advancing collaboration “in the area of security and defense.”

They also agreed to improve their individual and collective capacities to respond to mutual security concerns.

The two partners reaffirmed their determination to “maintain and strengthen a stable and predictable rules-based free and fair economic order,” a stance that gains urgency amid growing unease over unilateral trade measures introduced by U.S. President Donald Trump.

Further, they committed to deeper cooperation in “increasing supply chain resilience and reducing strategic dependencies, including strengthening and diversifying critical minerals supply chains.”

This includes counteracting “economic coercion and non-market policies and practices,” which threaten fair global competition.

Addressing environmental concerns, which they labeled as “an existential threat,” the joint declaration reiterated firm backing for the Paris Agreement.

It also urged global action in pursuit of “a global, just and inclusive green transition,” underlining their shared ambition for sustainable and equitable climate solutions.

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