French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a ceasefire in the Middle East during a visit to Japan, as he held talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo.
Speaking at a joint press conference at the Akasaka Palace, Macron said both leaders believe in international law and democratic values, and therefore advocate for peace, a ceasefire, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz. Takaichi emphasised the importance of de-escalating the conflict and securing the safety of the vital waterway and stable supply of goods.
The leaders also agreed to deepen defence cooperation in the Indo-Pacific, where France has troops and resources. On Tuesday, Japanese Defence Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his French counterpart Catherine Vautrin signed a road map for increased joint exercises and exchanges in the region.
Trade ministers from both nations signed a deal on a joint rare earths project, aiming to reduce reliance on China, which controls most global production. Macron and Takaichi also agreed to cooperate on developing a fast reactor and nuclear fuel recycling programme.
The visit comes after US President Donald Trump said that countries relying on the Strait of Hormuz should ensure its security, adding that it was not for the US. Trump criticised France as being “very unhelpful” in the US-Israeli conflict, a comment Macron did not address during the press conference, where questions were not permitted.
On Thursday, Macron and Takaichi are scheduled to visit a space debris removal technology company, and Macron will meet Emperor Naruhito before heading to South Korea.
