Japan-United Kingdom Relations
Japan-U.K. Summit Meeting
On July 8, commencing at 10:15 a.m. (local time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is visiting Hamburg, Germany, to attend the G20 Hamburg Summit, held a meeting with the Rt Hon Theresa May MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Beginning
(1) Prime Minister Abe extended his condolences over the recent fire in London and the series of terrorist attacks, including on London Bridge, and firmly condemned terrorism and expressed solidarity.
(2) In response, Prime Minister May stated that it was a pleasure to meet Prime Minister Abe again following the meeting at Chequers in April. She expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Abe’s condolences and stated that she would like to continue to cooperate on countering terrorism.
2. North Korea
(1) In light of the ballistic missile launch on July 4, both leaders shared the view that it was necessary to increase pressure on North Korea now, rather than dialogue, and that China’s role was important. Additionally, they shared the view that they would continue to closely coordinate at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) toward a prompt adoption of a new UNSC resolution.
(2) Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding and cooperation on the early resolution of the abductions issue.
3. Japan-EU relations, and the U.K.’s exit from the EU
(1) Both leaders welcomed the agreements in principle on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA), and confirmed their cooperation for the early conclusion of the agreements.
(2) Prime Minister Abe stated that Japan was closely following the U.K.’s negotiations to leave the EU, and requested that consideration be given to minimize the impact on companies. Prime Minister May responded that she would like to consult with Japan for strengthening the Japan-U.K. economic relations.
4. Security and defense cooperation
The two leaders shared the view that Japan and the U.K. would continue to deepen security and defense cooperation.