Japan PM Takaichi Heads To Europe For Talks With G7 Leaders

TOKYO, June 13 (Bernama-Kyodo) -- Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi departed Saturday for her first trip to Europe since taking office in October, hoping to work with other leaders to address what has become the world's worst energy crisis since the 1970s, Kyodo News reported. 

Takaichi will visit Britain and Italy before attending the three-day Group of Seven summit beginning Monday in the French resort town of Evian-les-Bains.

Energy security, critical mineral supply chains and geopolitical tensions are expected to top the agenda.

The summit will bring together the leaders of the G7 nations and invited partners, including Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

Japanese officials are also arranging bilateral meetings and informal talks on the sidelines.

"I'd like to demonstrate that the G7 is working together in unity and is leading international efforts to address global challenges," Takaichi told reporters at her official residence before leaving for Tokyo's Haneda airport.

"On energy security, I plan to put forward three proposals...and as for critical minerals, I'm thinking about proposing a joint initiative that would help G7 countries to establish stockpiling systems and link those systems together through coordinated cooperation."

Takaichi plans to use the summit to stress the importance of stable energy markets amid heightened tensions in West Asia and disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital route for global oil supplies.

She is also expected to emphasise the need to ensure freedom of navigation in vital sea lanes.

On the sidelines of the summit, she is seeking a meeting with US President Donald Trump, although bilateral talks had yet to be confirmed as of Friday.

Chaired by France this year, the G7 also includes Britain, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States, along with the European Union.

Before the G7 summit, Takaichi will meet British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on Sunday, then travel to Rome for talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni on Monday.

-- BERNAMA-KYODO