Japan PM Ishiba, Italy President Mattarella agree to strengthen cooperation

Japan's Prime Minister Ishiba Shigeru talked with Italian President Mattarella at the Prime Minister's office in Tokyo on Wednesday.

They have agreed to strengthen bilateral cooperation in a wide range of fields, including security and economic matters. Ishiba told the president that Japan and Italy are strategic partners which share values and principles.

The prime minister also noted that bilateral cooperation, including joint development of a next-generation fighter aircraft, has made great progress, and that he hopes to further promote this. The two leaders agreed to promote specific cooperation in cultural and people-to-people exchanges as well as in diplomacy, security and economic fields. Ishiba said the two countries will work together for the world's peace and stability as members of the Group of Seven nations.