Japan-United Kingdom Relations
Japan-UK Summit Telephone Talk
October 13, 2021
On October 13, commencing at 6:35 p.m. for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with the Rt Hon Boris Johnson MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- At the outset, Prime Minister Kishida stated that he looks forward to working with Prime Minister Johnson, with whom he had an excellent relationship when he served as Foreign Minister, and that he hopes to further strengthen the Japan-UK global strategic partnership. Prime Minister Johnson offered his congratulations to Prime Minister Kishida on his appointment to office and also stated that he hopes to further strengthen the Japan-UK relationship.
- The two leaders welcomed the fact that Japan-UK security and defense cooperation has deepened significantly in recent years and has elevated to a new level with UK aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth making a port call in Japan. The two leaders confirmed that they would work together for the early conclusion on negotiations for the Japan-UK Reciprocal Access Agreement. The two leaders also shared the view that they would continue to work closely together toward the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific."
- The two leaders affirmed that they would steadily implement the Japan-UK EPA to promote trade and investment between the two countries. They also exchanged views on the negotiations for the UK’s accession to the TPP11 agreement. Prime Minister Johnson stated that the UK would be giving a positive consideration toward lifting of the UK’s import restriction on Japanese food products including those made in Fukushima Prefecture. Prime Minister Kishida welcomed it and expressed his expectation that the restriction would be lifted as soon as possible based on the scientific perspective.
- The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation, including China and North Korea. The two leaders affirmed that they would continue to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, including on the abductions issue.
- The two leaders also shared the view to strengthen cooperation in the international arena in areas such as climate change towards COP26, and the response to COVID-19.