Vice Ministers Convene to Deepen Strategic Partnership
On February 23, 2026, Mr. FUNAKOSHI Takehiro, Vice Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and Sir Oliver Robbins KCMG CB, Permanent Under-Secretary of the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office of the United Kingdom, held a Vice Ministers' meeting in Tokyo. The two officials engaged in a two-hour discussion, including a working lunch, aimed at strengthening the comprehensive bilateral relations between Japan and the UK.
Enhanced Cooperation in Security and Economic Security
Building on the recent visit of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer to Japan, the Vice Ministers confirmed their commitment to reinforce bilateral relations across a broad spectrum of areas. Key among these were security and defense, economic security, and the broader economy. The discussions underscored the high quality of Japan-UK relations, which Prime Minister Starmer's visit had previously highlighted.
Upholding International Order and Critical Supply Chains
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to affirming both nations' resolve to maintain and strengthen a free and open international order based on the rule of law. Furthermore, the Vice Ministers concurred on the importance of working collaboratively with allies and like-minded countries to enhance the resilience of critical minerals supply chains. This focus reflects a shared understanding of global economic challenges and the need for robust, secure supply networks.
Addressing Regional and Global Challenges
The meeting also served as a platform for an extensive exchange of views on various regional and international issues. Discussions covered the situation in the Indo-Pacific, the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, and developments in the Middle East. Both sides reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening ties through bilateral, G7, and broader international cooperation to address these complex global challenges.
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