• The two leaders also agreed on the need to maintain and reinforce sanctions against Russia

LONDON: British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak and his Japanese counterpart KISHIDA Fumio both condemned recent North Korean missile launches, Sunak’s office said on Friday after the leaders spoke on a phone call.

“Reiterating the importance of ensuring a free and independent Indo-Pacific, the Prime Minister said that the UK was aligned with Japan on the challenges in the region,” the statement said.

“Both leaders condemned the recent North Korean missile launches, and the Prime Minister said it was vital the international community remained closely coordinated on the best way forward.”

In their talks over the telephone, Kishida congratulated Sunak on taking office last month.

The two prime ministers also agreed on the need to maintain and reinforce sanctions against Russia and assistance for Ukraine over Moscow’s aggression against Kyiv.

The two leaders shared the view that they would never accept Russia’s threats to use nuclear weapons and that it is crucial for the international community to send a clear message.

They also agreed to boost discussions on a planned reciprocal access agreement to provide a legal basis for visits by Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel and British troops to each other’s country, as well as on the joint development of next-generation fighter jets.

In their talks over the telephone, Kishida congratulated Sunak on taking office last month.

The two prime ministers also agreed on the need to maintain and reinforce sanctions against Russia and assistance for Ukraine over Moscow’s aggression against Kyiv.

The two leaders shared the view that they would never accept Russia’s threats to use nuclear weapons and that it is crucial for the international community to send a clear message.

They also agreed to boost discussions on a planned reciprocal access agreement to provide a legal basis for visits by Japanese Self-Defense Forces personnel and British troops to each other’s country, as well as on the joint development of next-generation fighter jets.

Reuters / JIJI Press