Japan, Germany agree to cooperate on supply chains, AI | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News - NHKニュース

Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae has told German Chancellor Friedrich Merz that she hopes to regard the two countries as "Premium Partners" and deepen cooperation in various fields including security and advanced technologies.

Takaichi held talks with Merz in Tokyo on Wednesday. This was Merz's first visit to Japan since he took office in May last year.

The two leaders received a salute from the Self-Defense Forces' guard of honor around 6 p.m. at the Prime Minister's Office, before they headed for the summit.

Takaichi told Merz that security in the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is increasingly intertwined. She said Japan and Germany are like-minded nations that share strategic views and a strong will and that the two countries have contributed to the peace and stability of the international community.

The prime minister said she wishes to seize the opportunity of Merz's visit to call the bilateral relationship "Premium Partners" based on the two countries' longstanding trust.

Takaichi added that she hopes to make the summit the chance to demonstrate unwavering cooperation between Japan and Germany, in various fields including security, advanced technologies and economic security.

The two leaders agreed to enhance supply chain resilience for a wide range of items, including critical minerals and semiconductors, and to step up cooperation on AI.