Japan-UK Foreign Ministers Hold Strategic Dialogue to Discuss Indo-Pacific and Middle East Situations
Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a strategic dialogue in Tokyo with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. They discussed the Indo-Pacific situation including China, policies towards North Korea, and touched upon the situation in Iran and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz. A memorandum was signed to mutually assist in the evacuation of citizens in emergency situations in third countries.
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- 📰 Published: April 21, 2026 at 00:01
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Central News Agency
(Kyodo News, Tokyo, April 20 - Foreign News) Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a strategic dialogue in Tokyo today with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The two sides discussed, among other topics, the Indo-Pacific situation including China, policies towards North Korea, and touched upon the situation in Iran and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Kyodo News, the previous strategic dialogue between Japanese and UK foreign ministers was held in May 2021. Motegi stated at today's meeting that the importance of strengthening cooperation with the UK, a country that shares fundamental values, has further increased amidst the shaking of the international order.
Cooper responded that the two countries hold the same stance on the issue of freedom of navigation. At a joint press conference, she also expressed anticipation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to the UK in the coming months.
According to Kyodo News, the Japanese and UK foreign ministers also signed a memorandum today, agreeing to mutual assistance in the evacuation of citizens in emergency situations such as conflicts in third countries.
Furthermore, according to a press release from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the "10th Japan-UK Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue," Motegi and Cooper's dialogue today lasted approximately 110 minutes.
During the meeting, both sides agreed that the security of the Europe-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable. They also agreed to continue promoting comprehensive and concrete cooperation in the economic field, such as strengthening the resilience of critical mineral supply chains, and to further enhance information sharing in times of peace and cooperate in assisting overseas nationals during crises.
Regarding regional and international affairs, Motegi and Cooper discussed international challenges including the Indo-Pacific situation, involving China. They also exchanged views on North Korea policy (including nuclear weapons, missiles, and the abduction issue) and the situation in Ukraine.
Motegi also mentioned the Middle East situation, including the current pressing issue with Iran, emphasizing the importance of ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, while stating that Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts to promote an early de-escalation of the situation. The two foreign ministers agreed to maintain close communication to facilitate an early de-escalation.
Additionally, they exchanged views on cooperation in international fields, including United Nations Security Council reform, disarmament, and nuclear non-proliferation. (Editor: Yosuke Yanagimoto) 1150420
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(Kyodo News, Tokyo, April 20 - Foreign News) Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi held a strategic dialogue in Tokyo today with UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper. The two sides discussed, among other topics, the Indo-Pacific situation including China, policies towards North Korea, and touched upon the situation in Iran and maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz.
According to Kyodo News, the previous strategic dialogue between Japanese and UK foreign ministers was held in May 2021. Motegi stated at today's meeting that the importance of strengthening cooperation with the UK, a country that shares fundamental values, has further increased amidst the shaking of the international order.
Cooper responded that the two countries hold the same stance on the issue of freedom of navigation. At a joint press conference, she also expressed anticipation for Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's visit to the UK in the coming months.
According to Kyodo News, the Japanese and UK foreign ministers also signed a memorandum today, agreeing to mutual assistance in the evacuation of citizens in emergency situations such as conflicts in third countries.
Furthermore, according to a press release from the Japanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the "10th Japan-UK Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue," Motegi and Cooper's dialogue today lasted approximately 110 minutes.
During the meeting, both sides agreed that the security of the Europe-Atlantic and Indo-Pacific regions are inseparable. They also agreed to continue promoting comprehensive and concrete cooperation in the economic field, such as strengthening the resilience of critical mineral supply chains, and to further enhance information sharing in times of peace and cooperate in assisting overseas nationals during crises.
Regarding regional and international affairs, Motegi and Cooper discussed international challenges including the Indo-Pacific situation, involving China. They also exchanged views on North Korea policy (including nuclear weapons, missiles, and the abduction issue) and the situation in Ukraine.
Motegi also mentioned the Middle East situation, including the current pressing issue with Iran, emphasizing the importance of ensuring maritime security in the Strait of Hormuz, while stating that Japan will continue its diplomatic efforts to promote an early de-escalation of the situation. The two foreign ministers agreed to maintain close communication to facilitate an early de-escalation.
Additionally, they exchanged views on cooperation in international fields, including United Nations Security Council reform, disarmament, and nuclear non-proliferation. (Editor: Yosuke Yanagimoto) 1150420
Stand with the facts, your sponsorship is the power to protect press freedom.
Download the CNA 'One-Stop News' APP to get the latest information in real-time.
The text, images, and videos on this website may not be reproduced, publicly broadcast, publicly transmitted, or used without authorization.
Keywords: