On the occasion of the events organised by Italy at Expo Osaka 2025 during the thematic week dedicated to the future of the earth and biodiversity, the Undersecretary of State for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Giorgio Silli, carried out a comprehensive mission to Japan, taking part in a series of institutional meetings.
In Osaka, the Undersecretary participated in the conference “Nuclear fusion, hydrogen and digitalisation for the energy transition: successful examples of cooperation between Italy and Japan”, held at the Italian Pavilion auditorium. The event was opened by the Commissioner General for Italy at Expo, Ambassador Mario Andrea Vattani, and was organised by the Italian National Agency for New Technologies, Energy and Sustainable Economic Development (ENEA) in collaboration with the Embassy of Italy in Tokyo.
In his remarks, focused on the international dimension of energy security, Undersecretary Silli highlighted the significant opportunities for collaboration between Italy and Japan in pursuing an ecological transition that pragmatically combines economic growth with decarbonisation. A concrete example of such successful partnerships emerged precisely thanks to the Expo. The Japan Hydrogen Association (JH2A) and the Italian Hydrogen Association (H2IT) signed a three-year Memorandum of Understanding to launch a strategic cooperation aimed at sharing information and developing new industrial initiatives in the sector. “The signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between H2IT and JH2A lays the groundwork for further strengthening cooperation between our two countries in the shared path towards energy transition and security. Thanks to this agreement, entire industrial supply chains, research centres and energy operators in Italy and Japan will be able to work together on new technologies, innovative mechanisms, and concrete initiatives to make our energy systems more resilient and promote decarbonisation,” Silli commented.
In Tokyo, the Undersecretary was received at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs, Hisashi Matsumoto. The meeting allowed for a broad and open exchange on bilateral relations and on the prospects for implementing the Italy–Japan Strategic Partnership, in light of the current complex geopolitical context. Particular attention was given to the revitalisation of economic and trade relations. Japan is Italy’s second-largest export market in East-Central Asia, with exports continuing to grow — +2.4% in the first seven months of the year, in line with the upward trend recorded in 2024. In this context, Expo Osaka 2025 is shaping up to be a unique accelerator of scientific cooperation and industrial partnerships, with a strong focus on high-tech sectors such as green energy, aerospace, infrastructure, transport, biomedicine and pharmaceuticals, the blue economy, and agritech.
During his visit, Undersecretary Silli also met with prominent representatives of the Italian community, the Italian economic system, and leading Italian companies operating in Japan — including MotoGP riders and the Ducati Corse team during a reception at the Embassy. “It is almost impossible to count all the success stories of our businesses in Japan. These are examples of excellence in every field, demonstrating not only the deep bond we share with this unique nation, but also the immense potential for future growth — a potential the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is strongly committed to promoting through the growth diplomacy strategy launched by Minister Tajani,” the Undersecretary concluded.
