Giorgia Meloni serenaded by Japanese prime minister for her birthday

Описание: Italian prime minister Giorgia Meloni was serenaded by her Japanese counterpart to celebrate her 49th birthday during a visit to Tokyo.

Footage posted to Ms Meloni's X account on Friday (16 January) shows Sanae Takaichi and other officials singing "Happy Birthday" in Italian, and surprising Ms Meloni with a cake.

Ms Meloni's visit to Japan came as the two countries marked 160 years of diplomatic relations, which began in 1866.

Ms Takaichi told reporters that the occasion was an opportunity to “elevate” the relationship between the nations.

Her Italian counterpart said they had agreed to work together to bolster supply chains, highlighting a focus on critical minerals.

Watch more on Independent TV: https://tinyurl.com/yc7ukx9n

The Independent is the world’s most free-thinking newsbrand, providing global news, commentary and analysis for the independently-minded.

Subscribe: https://bit.ly/Subscribe-to-Independent

Find us on social:
TikTok /   / independent  
Instagram /   / the.independent  
X (Twitter) /   / independent  
Facebook /   / theindependentonline  

Download the iOS & Android app: https://tinyurl.com/2s3ts5dh
Sign up to our newsletters: https://tinyurl.com/2bmw565x

Help to support truly independent journalism. Every dollar you contribute will directly fund additional special reports and investigations from a free-thinking, award-winning newsroom you can trust: https://www.independent.co.uk/donations