Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya met today with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy in Tokyo for a 35-minute discussion ahead of the inaugural Japan-UK Economic 2+2 Ministers’ Meeting. Both leaders emphasized the importance of deepening bilateral cooperation on security, regional affairs, and global challenges.
Minister Iwaya highlighted the need for Japan and the UK to collaborate on achieving a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, while Secretary Lammy praised the strong economic and security ties between the two nations, including significant Japanese investments in the UK.
The ministers welcomed the UK’s increased presence in the Indo-Pacific, including the upcoming port call of the UK’s Carrier Strike Group to Japan. They also reaffirmed their support for the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), aiming for its operational launch by 2035, and agreed to hold the next Japan-UK Foreign and Defence Ministers’ Meeting (“2+2”) in the UK.
Additionally, they discussed regional issues, including China, North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs, and the abductions issue, while agreeing to strengthen collaboration on Middle Eastern affairs through a newly established dialogue mechanism.
The meeting underscored the shared commitment of Japan and the UK to addressing global challenges and enhancing cooperation with the Global South.
