Japan-United Kingdom Relations
Japan-UK Summit Meeting
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Relations Office)
On June 8, commencing at 8:35 a.m. (local time) for approximately 25 minutes, Mr. Shinzo Abe, Prime Minister of Japan, who is currently visiting Elmau in the Federal Republic of Germany to participate in the G7 Summit, held a Japan-UK summit meeting with Rt Hon David Cameron MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
1. Opening Remarks
(1) Prime Minister Abe expressed his congratulations on the victory of the Conservative Party in the general election which took place in the United Kingdom last month. He stated that with the realization of a single-party administration under the Conservative Party, the United Kingdom could contribute more proactively to the world; and that he intends to continue cooperating with Prime Minister Cameron to develop Japan-UK relations and resolve issues facing the international society.
(2) Prime Minister Cameron responded by commenting that he is looking forward to cooperation with Prime Minister Abe, a close friend; and conveyed his congratulations on the positive indicators ofthe Japanese economy announced today were positive. Prime Minister Cameron added that he looks forward to promoting the partnership between Japan and the United Kingdom.
2. Economy and Japan-EU Relations
(1) Prime Minister Cameron commented that the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) would bring about a win-win relationship for both sides.
(2) Prime Minister Abe conveyed his gratitude for the support for the Japan-EU EPA by the United Kingdom and asked for its assistance for bringing about an agreement in principle on the EPA during this year, as well as the early conclusion of the Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Prime Minister Abe also stated that for Japan, the United Kingdom is an investment destination that serves as the gateway to the European market; and added his expectation for Prime Minister Cameron’s leadership so that the United Kingdom will exert its influence in the EU.
(3) Prime Minister Cameron stated that he shares the views of Prime Minister Abe concerning the EPA, and that it is important to reach an agreement in principle during this year. Both leaders affirmed that they will cooperate toward an early conclusion. Furthermore, Prime Minister Cameron expressed his welcome on the investment from Japan, and remarked that the United Kingdom intends to play the role of promoting reforms in the EU.
3. Security
(1) Prime Minister Abe stated that the “Legislation for Peace and Security” currently being debated in the Diet, if enacted, will enlarge the room for cooperation with the United Kingdom. He commented that he hopes the United Kingdom, as a global player, will commit and play its role in the Asia-Pacific region, both in economy and security. Prime Minister Abe also stated that dialogues between Japan and the United Kingdom concerning security are particularly important, and he proposed an exchange of opinions between the relevant departments in charge of such matters.
(2) Prime Minister Cameron agreed to Prime Minister Abe’s proposal, stating that he expects receiving input from Japan concerning security in the Asia-Pacific region in particular. He also added cooperation between Japan and the United Kingdom has a great potential.
4. Other issues
(1) Prime Minister Cameron stated he is looking forward to Japan serving as the chair of the G7 next year.
(2) Prime Minister Abe responded by appreciation for warm welcome he received when he visited the United Kingdom last year. He also expressed his expectation to meet Prime Minister Cameron in Japan as early as possible, bearing in mind that the next year’s summit will be held in Japan.