Japan-United Kingdom Relations
Japan-UK Summit Telephone Talk
November 4, 2022
On November 4, commencing at 6:08 p.m. for approximately 20 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, held a summit telephone talk with the Rt Hon Rishi Sunak MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the talk is as follows.
- Prime Minister Kishida congratulated Prime Minister Sunak on the assumption of his office, and stated that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable, and he welcomed the deepening of cooperative relationship between the two countries in a range of areas, as the UK upholds its Indo-Pacific “tilt”. In return, Prime Minister Sunak expressed his condolences for the passing of former Prime Minister Abe and stated his intention to forge an even closer bilateral relationship. The two leaders concurred to accelerate the consultation toward an early signature of a Reciprocal Access Agreement, as well as on reaching a mutual understanding on the future combat air system. They also exchanged views on the procedures for the UK’s accession to CPTPP.
- Regarding the Russian aggression against Ukraine, the two leaders affirmed the need to maintain unity of the international community and to maintain and reinforce sanctions on Russia and support for Ukraine. The two leaders also shared the recognition that they would never accept Russia’s nuclear threats, and that it is crucial for the international community to send a clear message.
- Furthermore, the two leaders exchanged views on the regional affairs including China and North Korea. They have affirmed continued collaboration in addressing North Korea, such as the nuclear and missile issues including its series of ballistic missiles launches including on November 3, which could have been a launch of an ICBM, as well as the abductions issue. The two leaders concurred to closely collaborate within the G7 under Japanese presidency next year as well as the UN Security Council, where Japan will hold the non-permanent membership next year.