Today the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Abe of Japan at the G20 in Buenos Aires.

The leaders agreed that the UK-Japan relationship is vital to the prosperity and security of both countries and welcomed the strengthening of the relationship since the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan in 2017.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Abe noted the continued long-term commitment to the UK by Japanese companies such as Nissan, Toyota, Softbank and others.

The Prime Minister set out the deal agreed between the UK and the EU last week and the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work quickly to establish a new economic partnership between Japan and the UK in the future based on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

“They looked forward to the UK and Japan working closely through the World Trade Organisation as the UK takes up its independent seat in April 2019.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Japanese support for potential UK accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Abe discussed deepening co-operation in a range of areas including on security and defence, innovation and technology. They committed to working closely together during Japan’s G20 Presidency.

Building on strong UK-Japan defence and security cooperation, the leaders spoke about regional and maritime security issues including the shared commitment to the full and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. They agreed on the need to maintain sanctions.

They noted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement regarding Russia’s actions in the Sea of Azov. The Prime Minister said the international community must call on Russia to release the 23 detained sailors and three vessels.

Prime Minister Theresa May met Prime Minister Scott Morrison of Australia.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

This morning at the G20 the Prime Minister met Prime Minister Morrison of Australia for the first time.

The PM congratulated Prime Minister Morrison on his appointment and said the UK remained committed to the strong and enduring partnership between our countries.

She added that the UK is stepping up engagement in the Indo-Pacific with new missions in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu and an enhanced relationship with ASEAN.

The leaders also welcomed the deal between the UK and Australia on Type 26 frigates as an example of the depth of our defence relationship.

On trade the Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Morrison on the deal on the UK’s exit from the European Union.

They agreed that as the UK leaves the EU the relationship will continue to go from strength-to-strength and welcomed work to lay the foundations for an ambitious future UK/Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Published 1 December 2018

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

I was deeply sorry to hear of the death of President George H W Bush.

President Bush was a true ally of the UK, from his service with the US Navy during World War II, to his commitment to the transatlantic alliance while in high office during a time of dramatic change in the world.

He will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his pledge to use American strength as a force for good.

I send my sincerest condolences to his family, and to the American people.

Further information

Published 1 December 2018

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt expresses his condolences following the death of President George H W Bush.