Japan and France deepen ties amid Middle East situation

France and Japan reaffirmed their commitment to closer diplomatic and defence ties during high-level talks in Tokyo, highlighting the need for unity amid global uncertainty. Leaders from both nations are also set to outline plans to diversify rare earth and critical mineral supplies.

Reuters

April 1, 2026

Japan and France deepen ties amid Middle East situation

Catherine VAUTRIN Minister for the Armed Forces and Veterans Affairs of the French Republic, Jean-Noel BARROT Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs of the French Republic pose with MOTEGI Toshimitsu Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan and KOIZUMI Shinjiro Minister of Defense of Japan, prior to their meeting at Iikura Guest House on April 1, 2026, in Tokyo, Japan.

Rodrigo Reyes Marin/Reuters

Japan and France must work together at a time of unprecedented global crisis, said French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot on Wednesday (April 1) during a "2+2" meeting between the two countries in Tokyo.

Barrot told his Japanese counterpart Toshimitsu Motegi that France and Japan joining forces was a strategic move to avoid becoming pawns of other powers.

Motegi also emphasized the importance for the two countries to keep close ties in the field of diplomacy and defence.

The meeting happened on the sidelines of the summit between Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi and French President Emmanuel Macron who are expected to create a roadmap for diversifying supplies of rare earths and other critical minerals.

Production: Irene Wang, Fred Mery/Reuters