Image @ Pier Marco Tacca/ Getty Image
French President, Emmanuel Macron, arrived in Japan today for a visit originally focused on enhancing collaborations in nuclear energy and space technology. However, discussions are now expected to center around the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.
Macron touched down shortly before 09:30 CET in Tokyo, which was experiencing rainy and windy conditions. His itinerary includes a meeting with several cultural figures, including a prominent kimono artist.
On Wednesday, Macron is scheduled to engage in talks with Japan’s Prime Minister, Sanae Takaichi, with the Middle East crisis anticipated to dominate their discussions. According to the president’s office, the two leaders will explore potential collaborative solutions to address the situation.
Japan relies heavily on the Middle East for approximately 95 percent of its oil imports and has resorted to using strategic reserves to mitigate the effects of rising fuel prices since the onset of the conflict.
The Strait of Hormuz, a crucial passage for global crude and gas shipments, has been largely shut down by Iran following U.S. and Israeli strikes that began on February 28.
Economy and finance ministers from the G7 nations, including France and Japan, expressed their readiness on Monday to implement “all necessary measures” to maintain energy market stability as they confront the economic repercussions of the war.
The meeting will mark Macron’s first comprehensive discussion with Takaichi, although they previously met briefly during the G20 summit last November. Japanese officials highlighted expectations for ongoing dialogue aimed at calming tensions in Iran.
In addition to addressing security issues, the two countries are also set to discuss partnerships in the space sector and plan to sign a roadmap concerning nuclear energy cooperation.
Macron’s visit, his fourth to Japan, occurs against a backdrop of deteriorating relations between China and Japan, particularly after Takaichi suggested last November that Tokyo might consider military intervention in response to any Chinese aggression toward Taiwan.
Following his time in Japan, where he will remain until April 2, Macron is scheduled to visit South Korea at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung. This will make him the first European leader to conduct a state visit to South Korea since the new administration took office.
Macron and his wife, Brigitte, are expected to have lunch with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Thursday. However, anticipated rain over the next three days may hinder their plans to view Japan’s iconic cherry blossoms in full bloom.
By: Magdalene Agyeiwaa Sarpong