British Foreign Minister David Lammy said on Friday that Japan could assist Ukraine by intensifying economic pressure on Russia, emphasising that Tokyo and London share a common interest in upholding a rules-based world order.
“Our shared interests in a stable international system and rules-based trade is absolutely clear and fundamental,” Lammy said in a televised statement alongside his Japanese counterpart Takeshi Iwaya and British business minister Jonathan Reynolds
“Europe is stepping up, but Japan can help too, including ramping up economic pressure on (Russian President Vladimir) Putin,” Lammy added.
Japan-UK Cooperation For Peace
Japanese Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya and his British counterpart David Lammy have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in pursuit of a fair and lasting peace in Ukraine, even as U.S. President Donald Trump moves closer to Russia.
Japan and Britain have deepened their collaboration as part of London’s strategy to enhance ties with the Indo-Pacific region following its departure from the European Union in 2020.
The two nations have an acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, enabling the exchange of ammunition and fuel, as well as a reciprocal access agreement to facilitate military visits between Britain’s armed forces and Japan’s Self-Defence Forces.
Free Trade
Britain and Japan underscored the significance of free trade during discussions in Tokyo on Friday, as global trade tensions escalated due to a growing cycle of tariffs between the United States and other nations under President Donald Trump.
British Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds emphasised the need to push back against rising trade fragmentation, which he said was harming the global economy.
“It’s essential that we uphold fair, rules-based international trade,” he stated.
Reynolds also highlighted the deepening economic security partnership between Britain and Japan, calling their close ties crucial in the current climate. “Our strong relationship allows us to be key partners, and at this moment, we must be,” he told reporters.
The remarks came after Japan and Britain held their inaugural “2+2” talks, bringing together Reynolds, Japanese Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto, and the foreign ministers of the world’s fourth and sixth-largest economies, David Lammy and Takeshi Iwaya.
(With inputs from Reuters)
