Japan-United Kingdom Relations

Prime Minister Abe congratulated again Prime Minister Johnson on the assumption of his office, welcoming the UK’s further engagement in the Indo-Pacific region and expressing his desire to continue to strengthen Japan-UK relations. In response, Prime Minister Johnson also expressed his desire to continue to strengthen Japan-UK relations, including in the fields of security and the economy.

Both Prime Ministers welcomed substantial discussion among the G7 leaders and confirmed that Japan and the UK would continue close coordination at G7.

Prime Minister Abe expressed his strong hope that even after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU, Japanese business’ operations in Europe will be maintained, the negative impact on the world economy will be minimized, and the UK will remain an attractive destination for investment by Japanese businesses. Prime Minister Abe also expressed his strong hope that the withdrawal, planned for by the end of October by Prime Minister Johnson, could be completed in an orderly manner based on an agreement with the EU. Further, Prime Minister Abe shared that Japanese businesses operating in Europe have concerns about the case of a “no-deal,” such as whether favorable economic relations between the UK and continental Europe can be maintained. In response, Prime Minister Johnson stated that, taking into full consideration the benefit of Japanese businesses, he is striving to ensure a smooth withdrawal from the EU.

(1) Both Prime Ministers reconfirmed their commitment to quickly establishing a future economic partnership after the UK’s withdrawal from the EU. Further, Prime Minister Abe welcomed the UK’s interest on a possible membership in TPP11 and expressed his intention to continue to support the UK’s efforts.
 
(2) Both Prime Ministers welcomed the development of cooperation in the fields of security and defense, such as port calls and joint training with Royal Navy warships in Japan and surveillance activities against illegal ship-to-ship transfers by North Korean flagged vessels. They also shared the view to coordinate on the planning for the postponed Japan-UK Foreign and Defense Ministers’ Meeting (2+2) to be held in Japan.
 
(3) Prime Minister Abe made a request for Prime Minister Johnson’s cooperation regarding the easing of the EU’s import restrictions on Japanese food and feed from regions affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. In response, Prime Minister Johnson expressed that he would look into that course of action.

(1) Both Prime Ministers exchanged opinions on regional matters and reconfirmed their intentions to continue close Japan-UK coordination.
 
(2) Regarding North Korea, including the abductions issue, both Prime Ministers reconfirmed that their countries completely share the position. Further, they confirmed to continue close Japan-UK cooperation, including to counter North Korea’s illegal ship-to-ship transfers.