French President Emmanuel Macron and Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi have called for de-escalation in the Middle East and the protection of key energy routes, as tensions continue to ripple across the region.
Meeting in Tokyo on Wednesday, the two leaders stressed the importance of restoring stability and ensuring the free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz, a vital artery for global oil and gas supplies.
“We share a belief in international law and in the international order based on the United Nations Charter,” Macron said. “We both advocate the return to peace, to a ceasefire, to calm, and to the free movement of people and goods through the Strait of Hormuz.”
Macron visits Japan, South Korea for talks dominated by Middle East war
Japan, which relies on the Middle East for roughly 90 to 95 percent of its oil imports, has already tapped into strategic reserves to cushion the impact of rising fuel prices.
Takaichi said both sides agreed on “the importance of ensuring the safety of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz” and maintaining stable energy supplies.
Beyond the immediate crisis, Paris and Tokyo also moved to strengthen bilateral ties, signing agreements covering critical minerals, defence cooperation, civilian nuclear technology and artificial intelligence.
The visit included a lighter moment during a joint news conference, when the two leaders briefly cupped their hands in a playful “kamehameha” gesture, a nod to the popular Japanese franchise Dragon Ball.
France denies blocking US flights as Israel cuts defence ties
Macron's trip comes against a backdrop of tensions with Washington, after United States President Donald Trump criticised France’s stance on the conflict in the Middle East. Macron reiterated that France had not been consulted and was not involved in the US-Israeli military offensive.
“It is absolutely true that France, which has not been consulted and is not part of this military offensive launched by the United States and Israel, is not taking part in it,” he said in an interview with Japanese broadcaster NHK.
Speaking separately to business leaders in Tokyo, Macron also made brief remarks about Europe’s “predictability” – a theme he has addressed previously – arguing that consistency remains an asset in uncertain times.
Macron is set to continue his Asia tour in South Korea on Thursday.
(with newswires)
