Japan-United Kingdom Relations

On October 3, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, held a meeting with Sir Oliver ROBBINS KCMG CB, Permanent Under Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (in video teleconference format). The overview is as follows:

1. At the outset, Vice Minister Funakoshi offered his condolences to those who lost their lives by the terrorist attack in Manchester on October 2 and extended his sympathies to those injured. Secretary Robins replied by expressing his appreciation. Vice Minister Funakoshi also stated that Japan-UK relations has never been closer and more robust, exemplified by the visit of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group 25 to Japan this summer. The two sides also highlighted the visit to Japan by His Royal Highness Prince Edward, The Duke of Edinburgh and His wife, Her Royal Highness Princess Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, welcoming the deep ties between the Imperial Family of Japan and the British Royal Family.
2. The two sides exchanged views on deepening Japan-UK cooperation in the fields of security and economic security, and on various issues in the international community such as the situation in East Asia, the situation in Ukraine, and the situation in Middle East. They concurred to continue strengthening Japan-UK cooperation at all levels.