Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni was treated to a surprise birthday celebration during her official visit to Tokyo, as Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi led officials in singing 'Happy Birthday' in Italian. The moment was captured in footage posted to Meloni's X account on Friday, showing her delighted reaction to the cake and serenade.
The visit marks 160 years of diplomatic relations between Italy and Japan, which began in 1866. Takaichi described the occasion as an opportunity to 'elevate' bilateral ties, emphasising the significance of the milestone.
During their meeting, the two leaders agreed to enhance cooperation on supply chains, with a particular focus on critical minerals. Meloni highlighted the importance of securing these resources for future economic resilience.
The birthday surprise added a personal touch to the diplomatic engagements, underscoring the warm relations between the two nations.
