Japan-UK Leader’s Working Lunch
September 20, 2022
[Provisional translation]
On September 20, commencing at 1:05 p.m. (local time; September 21, 2:05 a.m. JST) for 65 minutes, Mr. KISHIDA Fumio, Prime Minister of Japan, visiting New York to attend the United Nations General Assembly, held a working lunch with the Rt Hon Elizabeth Truss MP, Prime Minister of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland. The overview of the meeting was as follows.
- Prime Minister Kishida expressed his most sincere condolences for the passing of Her late Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, noting the tremendous role Her Majesty had played working for global peace and prosperity during her reign over 70 years. Prime Minister Truss thanked the warm words of condolences from Prime Minister Kishida and the people of Japan. Prime Minister Truss further expressed her deepest condolences for the passing of former Prime Minster Abe.
- Prime Minister Kishida stated that Japan-UK relations are closer than ever before, with the UK upholding its Indo-Pacific “tilt”. He also stated that he wishes to address various issues of the international community with Prime Minister Truss on the basis of such robust bilateral relations. Prime Minister Truss stated that Japan is an important partner for the UK and expressed her intention to further reinforce the close collaboration with Japan. Furthermore, the two leaders concurred to accelerate the consultation toward an early signature of a Reciprocal Access Agreement, as well as to reach mutual understanding on the overall picture of cooperation regarding the future combat air system. The two leaders also welcomed the smooth implementation of the Japan-UK Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement, and concurred to deepen cooperation on economic security and energy among others. They also exchanged views on the procedures for the UK’s accession to CPTPP.
- The two leaders also discussed international affairs, and Prime Minister Kishida stated that the security of Europe and the Indo-Pacific is inseparable. In addressing Russia’s aggression against Ukraine, the two leaders affirmed the importance of continuing the sanctions against Russia and support for Ukraine through close collaboration with the international community. The two leaders also shared their serious concern over unilateral attempts to change the status quo by force in the East and South China Seas. At the same time, the two leaders reaffirmed their continued collaboration in dealing with North Korea regarding the nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions issue.
- Looking ahead to Japan’s G7 Presidency and non-permanent membership of the UN Security Council next year, the two leaders affirmed to further reinforce cooperation in various international issues, as well as regional issues.
