Japan, France push for end to US-Israel war with Iran, protect global shipping

Japan and France agreed on April 1 to work closely together to push for an end to the US-Israeli war with Iran and to reopen ‌the Strait of Hormuz for oil and gas tankers, Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi stated.

Following discussions with French President Emmanuel Macron in Tokyo on security and industrial collaboration, Takaichi highlighted the importance of reinforcing Japan-France relations amid global challenges, Caliber.Az reports, citing Reuters.

"Because the international situation is so challenging, I believe there is ​great significance in the leaders of Japan and France ​deepening their personal ties and making our cooperation even stronger," ⁠Takaichi said.

As the Middle East conflict enters its fifth week, Japan, France, and other nations are confronting rising energy costs. If the passage for roughly a fifth of the world's oil and liquefied natural gas flows remains closed, they could face shortages of petroleum products.

Japan, which typically obtains around 90% of its oil ‌from ⁠the Middle East, has started tapping into its oil reserves to mitigate the economic impact.

Speaking alongside Takaichi, Macron said he aligned with her view on the necessity of restoring freedom of navigation in the strait.

France has engaged in talks ⁠with numerous countries while seeking proposals for a mission to reopen the waterway once the conflict concludes. Japan indicated it might consider sending ⁠minesweepers, though any involvement would be limited by its pacifist constitution.

The two leaders also committed to advancing closer ⁠security ties in the Indo-Pacific and signed agreements covering cooperation in critical mineral supply chains, civilian nuclear technology, and artificial intelligence.

By Jeyhun Aghazada