Japan and the United Kingdom held on Friday their first Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting in Tokyo, bringing together top officials to discuss economic security, trade, energy, and global challenges. The meeting was attended by Japan’s Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and Economy Minister Yoji Muto, alongside UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy and Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds.
The ministers emphasized the importance of strengthening bilateral ties under the Japan-UK Global Strategic Partnership, particularly in areas such as economic resilience, supply chain security, and critical technologies. They also reaffirmed their commitment to a rules-based international economic order, addressing issues like non-market practices, energy security, and support for Ukraine.
Key outcomes included agreements on enhancing cooperation in clean energy, quantum computing, and export controls, as well as collaboration with Global South countries to promote sustainable development. The meeting underscored the shared values of freedom, democracy, and the rule of law as the foundation for deepening Japan-UK economic relations.
