Press Releases

1. General remarks
   1. At the outset, Minister Kamikawa stated that Japan and the UK are each other's closest security partners in Europe and Asia, and that she would like to confirm the further strengthening of the relationship between Japan and the UK to maintain and strengthen the free and open international order based on the rule of law.
   2. The four Ministers reaffirmed the vision painted in “the Hiroshima Accord: an Enhanced Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership”, issued by the two leaders in May this year, and welcomed the substantial progress in each area of importance, and reaffirmed their commitment to deliver all aspects of the Hiroshima Accord.
   3. The four Ministers also shared the recognition that the security and prosperity of the Euro-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific is inseparable amid the increasingly severe international security environment, and stressed their strong opposition to unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force or coercion anywhere in the world. Furthermore, the four Ministers expressed their strong opposition to economic coercion and affirmed their continued intention to work together.
2. Security and defense cooperation
   1. The four Ministers affirmed that they would promote concrete cooperation, including in the field of maritime security, to realize a "free and open Indo-Pacific". The four Ministers recognized the importance of the monitoring and surveillance activities against illicit maritime activities including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels, and welcomed that the activities of the UK’s two offshore patrol vessels being deployed to the Indo-Pacific on a permanent basis are making important contributions to the rule-based maritime order. The four Ministers committed to work together to make the deployment of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to the Indo-Pacific planned for 2025 significant.
   2. The four Ministers also welcomed the entering into force of the Japan-UK Reciprocal Access Agreement (RAA) and its application to the bilateral ground exercise Vigilant Isles 23 this month, and concurred to ensure the application of the Agreement to increase interoperability and realize an even more ambitious program of more frequent and complex exercises. Furthermore, the four Ministers also welcomed positive progress in discussions between the defense authorities towards an application of the Japan Self-Defense Forces’ asset protection measure.
   3. The four Ministers endorsed the progress of the Global Combat Air Program (GCAP) and emphasized the importance of meeting the timeline to develop a next-generation fighter aircraft by 2035.
   4. The four Ministers concurred on the importance of reinforcing coordination with their ally and partners. They also stressed the progress of cooperation in new domains such as cyber and outer space and concurred also to work closely together in areas such as economic security, information warfare, and the Women, Peace, and Security (WPS).
3. Regional affairs
   1. The four Ministers expressed their unequivocal condemnation of the terrorist attacks committed by Hamas and others and reaffirmed the critical importance of immediate release of hostages and securing safety of civilians, respect for international law by all parties concerned, and redoubling of diplomatic efforts to prevent escalation and further instability in the wider region. The four Ministers stressed Israel’s right to defend itself and its people in accordance with international law. The four Ministers stressed humanitarian access and called for a humanitarian pause, and affirmed to collaborate on the evacuation of foreign nationals. The four Ministers reiterated the need for a just, lasting, and comprehensive peace in the Middle East based on a “two-state solution.”
   2. The four Ministers exchanged views on the situation in East Asia and affirmed to continue to coordinate closely in addressing issues related to China, and in dealing with North Korea, including on the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
   3. The four Ministers reiterated their condemnation of Russia’s aggression against Ukraine in the strongest possible terms and affirmed to continue severe sanctions against Russia and strong support for Ukraine.

[Reference]

• First Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting (January 21, 2015; London)
• Second Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting (January 8, 2016; Tokyo)
• Second Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting (January 8, 2016; Tokyo)
• Fourth Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministers' Meeting (February 3, 2021; VTC)