Japan bolsters ties with UK, Italy, calling UK a 'quasi-ally'

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is actively deepening security and economic cooperation with key European partners, notably the United Kingdom and Italy. Kishida described the UK as a "very important comrade nation and a quasi-ally" in terms of security cooperation, signaling a significant strengthening of bilateral ties beyond traditional alliances.

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The UK is a very important comrade nation and a quasi-ally in terms of security cooperation.

This enhanced relationship was underscored by the signing of an "economic security cooperation" agreement focusing on areas like energy and rare earths, alongside a "frontier technology partnership" covering advanced fields such as artificial intelligence, quantum technology, and semiconductors. The UK and Japan already have a reciprocal access agreement (RAA) that facilitates the deployment of forces, and this new pact aims to solidify cooperation in critical supply chains and cutting-edge technologies.

Kishida also reaffirmed commitment to the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), a joint project with the UK and Italy to develop a next-generation fighter jet. He expressed pleasure in close defense industry collaboration with Japan and reiterated the shared ambition for the GCAP, which aims for operational deployment in the mid-2030s. The Prime Minister's informal use of "Keir" when referring to UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on social media highlighted the personal rapport being built.

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I am pleased with the close cooperation with Japan in defense and the defense industry.

Following his meeting in London, Kishida traveled to Rome for talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni. Italy is a crucial partner in the GCAP, and discussions also focused on cooperation in stockpiling critical minerals and diversifying supply chains, particularly in light of geopolitical tensions and China's dominance in certain resource sectors. Kishida plans to propose new initiatives on energy and critical mineral stockpiling at the upcoming G7 summit, leveraging the strengthened relationships with the UK and Italy.

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I will take the Japan-UK relationship to the next level.