Takaichi Meets German Chancellor Friedrich Merz
Overview
On October 28, 2026, Prime Minister Takaichi met German Chancellor Friedrich Merz at the Prime Minister’s Office. They held a joint press announcement, received representatives of Japanese and German businesses, and attended a working dinner hosted by the Prime Minister. The leaders described Japan and Germany as “premium partners” and agreed to strengthen broad strategic cooperation. They confirmed cooperation policies on security, advanced technology, AI, and economic security, and around 30 cooperation memoranda were exchanged by public and private sector participants.
Key points
- The meeting was held at the Prime Minister’s Office on October 28, 2026.
- Prime Minister Takaichi described Japan and Germany as “premium partners” that share values and principles.
- The two leaders agreed to launch the Japan-Germany AI High-Level Dialogue and cooperate toward hosting an AI summit in Japan.
- Around 30 cooperation memoranda were exchanged by public and private sector participants.
Overview
After an honor guard and ceremonial honors by the Self-Defense Forces, the leaders held a summit meeting and issued a joint press announcement. Representatives of Japanese and German businesses then paid a courtesy call, followed by a working dinner hosted by the Prime Minister.
The two leaders expressed their resolve to contribute together to peace and stability in the international community amid an increasingly severe international environment, and agreed to further strengthen strategic cooperation across a broad range of fields. It was explained that three documents would be announced to demonstrate the resolve shown at the meeting, including a “Joint Statement by the Leaders” and a “Joint Declaration by the Leaders” on advanced technology and economic security.
Impact
Prime Minister Takaichi said she hoped that cooperation between Japan and Germany would also align with Japan’s “growth strategy” and further support economic growth in both countries.
Details
On security, the leaders shared the view that Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific security are indivisible. Prime Minister Takaichi welcomed Germany’s continued active engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and said they would consider opportunities and frameworks for deepening cooperation between their forces and advance complementary cooperation in the defense industry.
The two countries will promote concrete public-private cooperation in advanced technology fields, including fusion and hydrogen. In AI, they will launch the Japan-Germany AI High-Level Dialogue and cooperate toward hosting an AI summit in Japan.
On economic security, the leaders affirmed the importance of mutually considering each other’s interests in industrial support measures for strategic fields. To build resilient and reliable supply chains, they will diversify sources of critical minerals and develop alternative sources, while working to protect critical technologies.
Prime Minister Takaichi said the two countries had confirmed close coordination on regional and international issues, including the situation in the Indo-Pacific and the situation in Ukraine.