Macron Calls for Calm in the Middle East

French President Emmanuel Macron advocated for a ceasefire in the Middle East during a visit to Japan on Wednesday. He made the appeal following talks with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi in Tokyo.

Joint Commitment to International Principles

Macron stated that both he and Prime Minister Takaichi share a belief in international law, the international order, and democratic values. “This is why … we both advocate for a return to peace, a ceasefire, calm, and free passage through the Strait of Hormuz,” Macron said.

Securing the Strait of Hormuz and Trade Routes

Prime Minister Takaichi echoed these sentiments, emphasizing the importance of quickly de-escalating the conflict. She also highlighted the need to secure the safety of the vital Strait of Hormuz and ensure a stable supply of goods.

Strengthening Japan-France Ties

“With the international environment increasingly severe, I believe it is especially meaningful for the Japanese and French leaders to deepen our friendship and cooperation,” Takaichi stated at a joint news conference held at the Akasaka Palace.

Expanding Cooperation in Key Sectors

The leaders agreed to deepen cooperation in several key areas, including defense, rare earths development, nuclear energy, and space exploration. Japan and France have been strengthening their defense collaboration in the Indo-Pacific region in recent years.

Defense Pact and Rare Earths Deal

On Tuesday, Japanese Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi and his French counterpart, Catherine Vautrin, signed a roadmap for increased defense cooperation. This includes joint exercises and exchanges within the Indo-Pacific. Additionally, trade ministers from both countries finalized a deal for a joint rare earths project.

China currently dominates global rare earths production, which are crucial for industries like defense and electric vehicles. The agreement aims to diversify the supply chain.

Nuclear Cooperation and US Remarks

Macron and Takaichi also agreed to collaborate on the development of a fast reactor and a nuclear fuel recycling program, an area where Japan has faced challenges. The visit occurred as U.S. President Donald Trump stated that responsibility for securing the Strait of Hormuz should fall on countries reliant on it, specifically mentioning France.

Trump has expressed frustration with Europe’s perceived lack of support regarding the U.S.-Israeli conflict, criticizing France as “very unhelpful.” Macron did not address Trump’s comments during the news conference, where questions from reporters were not permitted.

Future Collaboration and Schedule

On Thursday, Macron and Takaichi are scheduled to visit a company specializing in space debris removal technology. This visit underscores the two countries’ collaborative efforts in the space sector. Macron will then meet with Emperor Naruhito and attend a palace lunch before traveling to South Korea.