Melons from Tokyo: "Greenland is an issue to be addressed in NATO"

It ends, as expected, with a strong emphasis on foreign policy the Japanese stage of Asian mission of the Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. In the press point at the Italian embassy in Tokyo, which concludes the visit to Japan before leaving for Seoul, the prime minister addressed the main international dossiers from the security in the Arctic at the crisis in Gaza reiterating at the same time the strategic value of the relationship with Tokyo in an increasingly complex global context.

The dominant theme was that of Greenland and the growing strategic interest in the Arctic. Meloni framed the issue as a dossier that concerns the whole Atlantic Allianceunderlining how the strengthening of security and the presence of allies is “a serious issue”, but one to be addressed “within the dialogue of the Nato“. According to the Prime Minister, the latest statements coming from Washington should be read as a response to a change geopolitical scenario: the Arctic is today at the center of the attention of the Americans, therefore of NATO, but also of Europe. But it is inevitable, a comment on the constant threats of Trump to the island. The prime minister, while recognizing the assertive style of the American president, ruled out the possibility of a military intervention on the ground, deemed “very difficult”, reiterating that the solution is “politics” and in this way it will have to be resolved, for an area – observed Meloni – which in recent years has been “perhaps underestimated”, not only by Washington but also by Europeans themselves.

The crisis in the Middle East and the role of Italy

Then space for crisis in the Middle East. While waiting for Trump to reveal the names who will be part of the Board of Peace in Gaza, the prime minister confirmed the availability of Italy to carry out “a leading role” In the peace path for the Strip. Rome, he explained, “is waiting” for the final decisions and the formalization of the political board, after the presentation of the executive one.

Assessment of the visit to Japan and strategic relations

Taking stock of his own visit to Japandefined by Meloni as “very positive”, the prime minister once again reiterated the value of relations with the Japanesemore and more a “similar and strategic” partneralso thanks to the excellent relationship now established with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. Because it’s certainly true that Europe and the Mediterranean remain central axes of Italian foreign policybut “today it is essential to work on other quadrants”, strengthening the coordination with countries such as Tokyo to face an international phase characterized by strong tensions and uncertainties.

Domestic front and international agenda

Then, in the quarter of an hour of press time, also a small parenthesis on the internal front. The Prime Minister spoke briefly on the matter concerning the Privacy guarantor. Regarding the ongoing investigation and the hypothesis of resignation of the board, Meloni stated that he did not have sufficient elements to judge and that he “deferred to judiciary“, expressing full confidence in the judges’ work. Finally, the prime minister has currently ruled out her participation in the World Economic Forum in Davos starting next week, explaining that the international agenda is “particularly busy”, while leaving open the possibility of attending any summits dedicated to Ukraine or Gaza.

The mission continues in South Korea

The Meloni’s mission in Asia continues now in South Korea. In fact, after having met the leaders of the main ones at the Italian Embassy in Tokyo Japanese companieswith an exchange of views on strengthening the economic, industrial and technological cooperation between Italy and Japan, the prime minister left for Seoul where she will meet President Lee on Monday 19 January.