French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi jointly called for a ceasefire in the Middle East and stressed the importance of ensuring safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz during talks held in Tokyo. Both leaders emphasised their shared commitment to international law, democratic values, and maintaining global stability, underlining the urgency of de-escalating tensions in the region.
Speaking at a joint press conference, Macron stated that both countries support restoring peace, calling for calm and uninterrupted passage through the strategically critical waterway. Takaichi echoed this position, highlighting the need to quickly reduce hostilities and safeguard the steady flow of goods, given the Strait’s importance to global energy and trade routes.
Beyond the Middle East situation, the two leaders agreed to significantly expand bilateral cooperation across multiple strategic sectors. These include defense collaboration, rare earths development, nuclear energy, and space technology. Takaichi noted that strengthening ties between Japan and France is particularly important in the current global environment, which is becoming increasingly complex and uncertain.
Defense cooperation between the two nations has been steadily growing, particularly in the Indo-Pacific region, where both countries share concerns about regional security and shifting power dynamics. As part of this effort, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and French counterpart Catherine Vautrin signed a roadmap to enhance joint military exercises and deepen defense exchanges.
In the economic and technological sphere, both countries also advanced collaboration on rare earths, signing an agreement aimed at reducing dependence on dominant global suppliers. Rare earth elements are critical for manufacturing advanced technologies, including defense systems and electric vehicles, making them strategically important.
Additionally, France and Japan agreed to work together on nuclear energy initiatives, including the development of fast reactors and nuclear fuel recycling technologies, areas where Japan has faced ongoing challenges. The partnership is expected to strengthen innovation and energy security for both nations.
The discussions took place amid broader geopolitical tensions, including remarks by US President Donald Trump suggesting that responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz should fall on countries that rely on it, including France. While Macron did not directly address these comments, the emphasis on cooperation and stability reflected a coordinated effort by both nations to manage rising global uncertainties.
The visit also includes further engagements focused on space cooperation, with plans for both leaders to visit a company specialising in space debris removal technology. Macron is also scheduled to meet Emperor Naruhito before continuing his diplomatic tour to South Korea, reinforcing France’s strategic presence and partnerships in the Indo-Pacific region.
