Japan-United Kingdom Relations
Japan-UK Foreign Ministers’ Meeting
December 11, 2021
On December 11, commencing at 8:05 a.m. (5:05 p.m. Japan time) for approximately 30 minutes, Mr. HAYASHI Yoshimasa, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, who is visiting the United Kingdom to attend the Second Meeting of G7 Foreign and Development Ministers, held a meeting with the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, Secretary of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, Minister for Women and Equalities of the United Kingdom. The overview of the meeting is as follows.
- At the outset, Minister Hayashi stated that he was pleased to be able to hold this first face-to-face meeting with Secretary Truss, and that he hopes to engage in discussions about further advancing the Japan-UK relationship, which is stronger than ever, and to exchange opinions about various regional issues prior to the G7 meeting. In response, Secretary Truss stated that the UK values relations with Japan, as a fellow island democracy, and that the UK seeks to deepen cooperation in a wide range of fields including economic security. She also noted that as the G7 she wants to work together on tackling various issues facing the international community.
- Both ministers confirmed that through partnership with like-minded countries, Japan and the UK would further advance cooperation towards peace and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific, and also held an exchange of views on procedures for the UK’s accession to the TPP11 Agreement. With regard to the UK’s import restrictions on Japanese food products, Minister Hayashi welcomed progress that has been made on procedures to lift restrictions and reiterated Japan’s request for the early lifting of restrictions based on scientific evidence.
- The two ministers exchanged views on regional situations. Minister Hayashi welcomed the UK’s decision as the G7 Presidency to focus attention on ASEAN nations and to invite ASEAN foreign ministers to the G7 meeting. He noted that Japan supports ASEAN centrality and unity, and stated that Japan seeks to work together with the UK in the important work of advancing practical cooperation relating to the “ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).” Secretary Truss stated that the UK seeks to contribute to regional peace and development through a new infrastructure investment initiative, and would also like to cooperate with Japan in this regard.
- In view of the outbreak of the Omicron variant, the two ministers reaffirmed the necessity of advancing COVID-19 vaccinations globally, and that Japan and the UK would support the provision of vaccines. Minister Hayashi expressed appreciation for the UK’s cooperation in the recent Tokyo Nutrition for Growth Summit 2021.