On Thursday 14 December, Foreign Secretary and Defence Secretary
will jointly host the
UK-Japan 2+2 talks with their Japanese counterparts, Foreign
Minister Taro Kono and Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera.
Speaking ahead of the meeting, the Foreign Secretary said:
“The UK and Japan are two great island nations, linked by our
proud maritime heritage. So it is fitting that we’re hosting
Foreign Minister Kono and Defence Minister Onodera at the
National Maritime Museum. I look forward to deepening our
security and defence cooperation so that we can tackle together
the shared challenges ahead, including crucial international
security issues such as DPRK.”
Defence Secretary said:
“The security of the Asia-Pacific region is important to us all.
I look forward to welcoming our Japanese partners to discuss
tackling the threats facing them and the international community,
as we remain committed to the peace and prosperity of both our
great island nations.”
Background
The talks, to be held this year at the National Maritime Museum
in Greenwich, are the annual cornerstone of the UK’s security and
defence cooperation with Japan and will build on the Prime
Minister’s successful visit to Tokyo in August.
This year’s 2+2 talks will focus on:
· Cooperation on shared security challenges, with a particular
focus on DPRK.
· Future security, defence and military cooperation, including
joint exercises
· Joint efforts to promote free trade, economic growth and the
rule of law that underpins regional prosperity.
· Collaboration on counter terrorism and cyber, including sharing
UK expertise on international sporting events, with a view to the
2019 Rugby World Cup and the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics.
