Japan-United Kingdom Relations
Japan-UK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
July 23, 2026
On July 23, commencing at 11:30 a.m. local time (12:30p.m., Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. MOTEGI Toshimitsu, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the Philippines to attend the ASEAN-related Foreign Ministers' Meetings, held a Foreign Ministers’ meeting with the Rt Hon Ed MILIBAND, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland.
- At the outset, Minister MOTEGI congratulated Foreign Secretary Miliband on his appointment. He stated that Japan and the UK, as "Enhanced Global Strategic Partners," enjoy a relationship that is closer and stronger than ever before and noted that the two countries have been coordinating closely at the summit and ministerial levels recently. He expressed his hope for Japan and the UK to continue to work together, also in unity as the G7, to address various challenges facing the international community, with the new UK government led by Prime Minister Burnham. In response, Foreign Secretary Miliband stated that he would like to cooperate with Minister Motegi to further strengthen Japan-UK relations.
- The two Ministers shared the recognition that the security of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions is inseparable, and concurred in promoting cooperation in the security field, including the progress of the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), as well as in the fields of economy and economic security.
- The two Ministers confirmed their cooperation towards de-escalation of the situation surrounding Iran as soon as possible and ensuring free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz without additional costs. They also exchanged views and concurred in continuing to work closely together on various issues facing the international community. These issues include the situation in the Indo-Pacific, such as their policies toward North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue, and Ukraine.