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Jeremy Browne meets with Japan’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs

Minister underlines UK government’s desire for an enhanced relationship with Japan

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

Minister Browne’s call on State Secretary Takemasa covered a wide variety of issues

Calling on Mr Koichi Takemasa, Japan’s State Secretary for Foreign Affairs on 9 September, Jeremy Browne reiterated the commitment, expressed by Foreign Secretary William Hague during his visit to Japan in July, to deepen and broaden the UK-Japan relationship, both in cooperating on key foreign policy issues, but also in building a strong and mutually beneficial economic and commercial relationship.

Minister Browne stressed that both countries share key foreign policy priorities, such as bringing peace and stability to Afghanistan, nuclear non-proliferation, North Korea, climate change, Burma and overseas development assistance.

He also highlighted the importance of the UK-Japan bilateral relationship to the UK economy, with 1200 Japanese companies responsible for 100,000 jobs. This existing close investment and trade relationship was a powerful base with which to expand UK-Japan and EU-Japan trade and, through cooperation, to increase economic opportunity. Britain’s coalition government was determined to create an even better environment for overseas investors. He also commented on the huge potential benefits and increased trade flows for both UK and Japanese businesses which could be created through the removal of remaining barriers to trade.

Published 10 September 2010