Emmanuel Macron arrived in Tokyo on March 31 for a visit initially intended to deepen co-operation in nuclear energy and space innovation, but now dominated by the war in the Middle East.

According to AFP, the French president landed shortly before 17:30 local time in wet and windy conditions, ahead of an evening engagement with cultural figures, including a noted kimono artist.

Talks with Japan’s prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, are scheduled for April 1, with the crisis in the Middle East set to be central. The two leaders are expected to explore potential areas of alignment in addressing the conflict.

Japan relies on the Middle East for 95% of its oil imports and has drawn on strategic reserves to mitigate the impact of rising fuel costs since the conflict began. Iran has effectively closed the Strait of Hormuz following strikes by the United States and Israel on February 28.

Finance ministers from the Group of Seven, including France and Japan, said on day of Macron’s arrival they stood ready to take all necessary measures to maintain energy market stability as they assess the economic fallout.

The April 1 meeting will mark the first full bilateral talks between Macron and Takaichi, according to a Japanese foreign ministry official, although the pair previously met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in November.

The two sides are also set to address security co-operation and partnerships in the space sector, and are expected to sign a roadmap on nuclear power in Japan, AFP adds.

Macron’s fourth visit to Japan comes amid deteriorating ties between Tokyo and China, following remarks by Takaichi in November suggesting Japan could intervene militarily in the event of a Chinese move on Taiwan. Macron visited China in December.