Takaichi Briefs on Call with French President Macron
Overview
Prime Minister Takaichi held a telephone conversation with French President Emmanuel Macron for about 30 minutes, discussing security, AI, space, economic security, the situation in the Middle East, and energy security. She conveyed concerns about the EU’s “Industrial Acceleration Act” and called for a response from France; the two leaders also agreed to work together toward an early de-escalation and stabilization of the Middle East. At a press conference, she said there had been no exchange about her absence from the G7 online leaders’ meeting. She declined to comment on the U.S. midterm elections on behalf of the government while expressing her intention to work to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations.
Key points
- The Japanese and French leaders discussed cooperation in several areas and international affairs.
- Japan conveyed concerns about the EU’s “Industrial Acceleration Act” and called for a response from France.
- The two sides agreed to work together toward stability across the Middle East.
- She said the government would refrain from making particular comments on the U.S. midterm elections and would continue working to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations.
Overview
Prime Minister Takaichi held a telephone conversation with French President Macron from 17:35 for about 30 minutes. In light of progress in concrete cooperation on security, AI, space, and economic security, the two leaders confirmed their intention to work more closely together as special partners.
Impact
Japan and France agreed to work together for stability across the Middle East.
She stated that Japan would maintain close communication with France toward global energy security and market stability.
Details
Prime Minister Takaichi conveyed Japan’s strong concerns about the EU’s “Industrial Acceleration Act” to France and called for an appropriate response. She said the two sides would continue close coordination to resolve this outstanding issue.
On the situation in the Middle East, she said an early de-escalation and stabilization of the situation were important, and the two sides also exchanged views on energy security.
Asked about her absence from the G7 online leaders’ meeting on the evening of October 2, she replied that there had been no exchange with President Macron at all and that the French side had not raised the matter either.
Regarding the result of the U.S. midterm elections, in which the Democratic Party won majorities in both the Senate and the House of Representatives, she refrained from commenting on behalf of the Japanese government, saying it concerned another country’s domestic affairs. She described the Japan-U.S. alliance as the cornerstone of diplomacy and security policy and said she intended to strengthen Japan-U.S. relations in cooperation with President Trump.