TOKYO: The Japanese government is seeking to use Britain's exit from the European Union, or Brexit, on Friday as an opportunity to strengthen economic and security ties between the two countries.

London and Tokyo are in talks for a potential visit to Japan by British Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab in February, when he and Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi are expected to meet and discuss mainly how to proceed with negotiations on a bilateral trade deal.

At a press conference on Friday, Motegi expressed Tokyo's willingness to negotiate a trade agreement with Britain, saying, "We will quickly work to build a new economic partnership with Britain."

Tokyo is also expected to support Britain's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, on which the European nation is showing interest. Japan and other countries put the multilateral trade deal into effect in late 2018.

The boost in economic ties between the two countries comes as Japanese companies with business in Britain worry about the effects of Brexit on their operations in the country.

Also on Friday, the Japanese government held a working-level meeting among bureau chiefs from ministries and agencies concerned, with participants agreeing to consider measures to prevent operations of Japanese firms, including small businesses, from being disrupted by Britain's withdrawal from the EU.

They also agreed to collect information on trade talks between Britain and the EU.

Japan believes that enhancing ties with Britain is important in checking China's growing maritime activities. Britain maintains influence in many parts of Asia, and shares with Japan basic values such as freedom and democracy.

"Post-Brexit Britain will likely seek to strengthen relations with the United States and Japan to maintain its international influence," a senior Japanese Foreign Ministry official said.

"Britain's eyes are on Asia," a high-ranking Defense Ministry official said.

JIJI Press