Emmanuel Macron, President of France, arrived in Japan on Tuesday for a three day visit that shifted focus from planned economic partnerships to urgent security discussions. He landed shortly before 09:30 CET in rainy and windy Tokyo ahead of scheduled meetings with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and cultural figures. As reported by ALO360, the Elysee Palace stated ahead of the trip that “the crisis in the Middle East will be at the heart of discussions” between the two leaders.
Takaichi and Macron planned to hold their first full fledged meeting on Wednesday. The two had previously met on the sidelines of the G20 summit in November. A Japanese foreign ministry official indicated that expectations included “continued communication” with a view toward the “calming down of the situation in Iran”.
Energy Security Concerns Mount
Japan depends on the Middle East for 95 percent of its oil imports. The country had to dip into strategic stockpiles to temper the impact of rising fuel prices since the start of the war. Iran virtually closed the vital Strait of Hormuz through which a fifth of global crude and gas flows since the United States and Israel began striking the country on 28 February.
Furthermore, economy and finance ministers of G7 countries said on Monday they stood ready to take “all necessary measures” to ensure the stability of the energy market as they tackled the economic consequences of the war. The two leaders planned to discuss “how we can try to find common solutions” to the crisis.
Nuclear and Space Partnerships Remain on Agenda
Beyond the geopolitical crisis, Macron counted on this visit to highlight “France’s attractiveness” according to his entourage. The two countries intended to sign a roadmap on nuclear power in Japan and discuss security partnerships in the space sector. Macron also scheduled meetings with business leaders including the heads of Softbank, Iwatani, and Horiba on the sidelines of an economic forum.
Imperial Audience and South Korea Visit
Macron and his wife Brigitte planned to have lunch with Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako on Thursday. The visit marked his fourth to Japan as president. He planned to remain in Japan until April 2 before traveling to South Korea at the invitation of President Lee Jae Myung.
