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Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond visited Japan today, in the first stop on a four-country Asian tour to boost UK ties with this fast-growing region.
The Foreign Secretary discussed the global security situation with his Japanese counterpart Fumio Kishida, as part of strategic dialogue talks. They agreed to deepen cooperation on issues of mutual concern, based on shared values, and a shared determination to contribute to global peace and prosperity through the rules-based international system. The Foreign Secretary welcomed the progress made on Japanese inward investment into the UK, including in rail and new nuclear build, and looked forward to opportunities for British business to help deliver the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games.
The Foreign Secretary said:
I’m delighted to be welcomed to Tokyo today by my colleague, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. The UK values highly its strategic partnership with Japan, and the deep friendship between our peoples. Both of our countries have made a significant contribution to global peace and security over the last seventy years, based on our shared values. We are both determined to remain engaged.
Countries like Britain and Japan must play their part in upholding the rules-based international system. I’m proud that the UK is the only country in the world to commit to spending 2% of our GDP on defence, and 0.7% on development. We will keep working together on the dangers we face, and the opportunities we share.
The Foreign Secretary also met Japanese Defence Minister Gen Nakatani. The Ministers welcomed recent cooperation, and reiterated their determination to work even more closely together to defend and protect the global commons, based on the rule of law and international norms.