Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan and the UK confirmed close military ties and pledged to strengthen their global strategic partnership further.

During summit telephone talks held today (October 13), Japanese prime minister KISHIDA Fumio and his British counterpart Boris Johnson “welcomed the significant deepening of Japan-UK security and defense cooperation in recent years,” according to a statement by the foreign ministry in Tokyo.

“The ties have elevated to a new level with the UK aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth making a port call in Japan,” they said.

The two leaders also agreed to work together for the early conclusion on negotiations for the Japan-UK Reciprocal Access Agreement and shared the view that they would continue to work closely together toward the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific.”

During the talks, the two leaders affirmed that they would steadily implement the Japan-UK EPA to promote trade and investment between the two countries. They also exchanged views on the negotiations for the UK’s accession to the TPP11 agreement.

According to the statement, prime minister Johnson stated that the UK would be giving favorable consideration toward lifting the UK’s import restriction on Japanese food products, including those made in Fukushima Prefecture.

Prime Minister Kishida welcomed it and expressed his expectation that the restriction would be lifted as soon as possible based on the scientific perspective.

The two leaders exchanged views on the regional situation, including China and North Korea, and affirmed that they would continue to cooperate in dealing with North Korea, including on the abductions issue.

The two leaders also shared their views to strengthen cooperation in the international arena in areas such as climate change towards COP26, and the response to COVID-19.