French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Japan for a visit that initially aimed to strengthen partnerships in nuclear energy and space innovation but will now be dominated by the Middle East conflict.
Macron landed shortly before 5.30pm yesterday in rainy and windy Tokyo, ahead of an expected evening meeting with several cultural figures including a renowned kimono painter.
He will then hold talks with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi today, and “the crisis in the Middle East will be at the heart of discussions”, the Elysee said ahead of his Asia trip, which will also include a visit to South Korea.
The two leaders will discuss “how we can try to find common solutions”, it added.
Japan depends on the Middle East for 95% of its oil imports and has had to dip into strategic stockpiles to temper the impact of rising fuel prices since the start of the conflict.
Economy and finance ministers of G7 countries, which include France and Japan, said on Monday that they stood ready to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the stability of the energy market as they tackled the economic consequences of the conflict.
Today will be Macron’s “first full-fledged meeting” with Takaichi, according to a Japanese foreign ministry official, though the two met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in November.
Among expectations for the talks was “continued communication” with a view towards the “calming down of the situation in Iran”, the official said.
The two countries are also expected to discuss security and partnerships in the space sector, and intend to sign a roadmap on nuclear power in Japan, the Elysee said.
Macron and his wife Brigitte are due to have lunch with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako tomorrow, but a hoped-for viewing of Japan’s famous cherry trees in full bloom could be spoiled by rain forecast for the next three days in the Japanese capital.
He will be in Japan until April 2, and he will then visit South Korea at the invitation of President Lee Jae-myung. — AFP
