Press Releases
UK’s withdrawal from the EU
(Statement by Foreign Minister MOTEGI Toshimitsu)
February 1, 2020
- The Government of Japan values that the withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) from the European Union (EU) without agreement was avoided. The Government of Japan values the leadership of both the UK and the EU, and the substantial progress in the withdrawal process after the inauguration of the administration led by Mr. Boris Johnson, Prime Minister of the UK.
- For Japan, the UK and the EU are global and strategic partners which share fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, market economy, human rights, and the rule of law.
- As the leaders of Japan and the UK have confirmed, the Government of Japan will work promptly with the Government of the UK after the country’s withdrawal from the EU in order to establish a new economic partnership between the two countries based on the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). Japan remains committed to strengthening Japan-UK relations not only in economic relations, but also in wide-ranging areas including security and defense, and culture.
- Japan will further enhance its relations with the EU based on the Japan-EU EPA and Japan-EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).
- The Government of Japan hopes that the impact of the UK’s withdrawal from the EU on Japanese businesses and the international economy will be minimized after the upcoming negotiations between the UK and the EU on their future relationship. The Government of Japan will continue to closely watch relevant developments and take necessary measures including providing information to Japanese businesses.