Japan-U.K. Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

July 15, 2010
Japanese

Mr. Katsuya Okada, Minister for Foreign Affairs, held talks and dinner with the visiting Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs of the United Kingdom, Rt. Hon. Mr. William Hague, at Iikura House on July 15 (Thu) from 6:35 p.m. 8:45 p.m. Summary of the meeting is as follows.

Minister Okada and Secretary Hague concurred that the two countries, which share fundamental values, should further strengthen the bilateral relations and deepen cooperation in the global arena. Aiming for specific bilateral cooperation, the two ministers agreed to start preparations toward issuing a new joint statement by the Prime Ministers of Japan and the United Kingdom.
The two ministers discussed bilateral economic relations. Secretary Hague expressed his government’s support for the Japan-EU economic partnership agreement (EPA).
Concerning the United Nations Security Council reform, Secretary Hague reiterated U.K.’s support for Japan’s bid to become for a permanent seat, for which Minister Okada expressed his appreciation.

They also agreed to deepen bilateral cooperation and collaboration on nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation.
In addition to the topics above, the two ministers exchanged views such as climate change, development assistance, issues of Afghanistan, North Korea, Iran, Myanmar, and other matters.

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