Starmer Welcomes Japanese PM Visit, Highlights Strong UK-Japan Relations
Starmer arrived in Japan after a four-day trip to China, during which he sought to revive relations with Beijing. In Tokyo, the two leaders discussed shared values and outlined plans to strengthen trade and security ties, including enhancing defence cooperation and partnerships across the Indo-Pacific region.
Any visit to the UK will depend on the outcome of snap elections on February 8, with Takaichi’s Liberal Democratic Party aiming to return to power. The meeting comes amid regional tensions, following remarks from Takaichi suggesting Japan could be drawn into a potential China-Taiwan conflict.
Starmer said he and Takaichi agreed on the need to respond with “strength and clarity” to growing global instability and thanked her for her “steadfast leadership in supporting Ukraine.”
Ahead of a working dinner, Takaichi noted that Starmer “looked well” and confirmed she had been invited to his Chequers country estate later this year.
“I look forward to our dinner in a moment, and to the meeting that I hope we will have,” Starmer said after their 20-minute discussion. He added that the UK and Japan “share vital interests and principles” and expressed his eagerness to advance cooperation.
The two leaders also highlighted their “clear interest in free and predictable trade” and discussed improving supply chains in strategic sectors, including critical minerals.
Legal Disclaimer:
MENAFN provides the
information “as is” without warranty of any kind. We do not accept
any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images,
videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information
contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright
issues related to this article, kindly contact the provider above.
Legal Disclaimer:
EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.