Takaichi reaffirms commitment to accelerate Global Combat Air Programme with UK, deepen defense cooperation.

Takaichi reaffirms commitment to accelerate Global Combat Air Programme with UK, deepen defense cooperation.

[Visit to the United Kingdom (2)] On June 14, 2026 (local time), Prime Minister Takaichi, who was visiting London, the United Kingdom, attended the Japan-UK Business Roundtable and a signing ceremony. She later attended a business reception as well. At the Business Roundtable, Prime Minister Takaichi made the following remarks: Thank you very much to all the business leaders from Japan and the United Kingdom for joining us today. At the Japan-UK Summit Meeting earlier today, Prime Minister Starmer and I held a highly strategic discussion on the current international situation, with an eye toward the G7 Summit that begins tomorrow. Among the issues we discussed, achieving an early de-escalation of the situation in Iran remain urgent priorities for Japan, the United Kingdom, and the international community. This includes ensuring free and safe navigation through the Strait of Hormuz. We reaffirmed our commitment to maintaining close communication and continuing persistent diplomatic efforts together. Security cooperation forms the foundation of the strong relationship between Japan and the United Kingdom. In particular, I heard some very encouraging words from Prime Minister Starmer  on the Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP), which stands at the core of our bilateral security cooperation. I welcome the fact that the conditions are now in place to accelerate this important initiative even further. We also agreed to deepen cooperation in such areas as cyber security and the defence industrial sector. At the same time, since Japan and the United Kingdom are leading economic and technological powers, strengthening economic cooperation between our two countries is therefore of great importance. Today, here in the United Kingdom—the birthplace of the Industrial Revolution—we are launching the Frontier Tech Partnership with the aim of our two countries leading the advanced technological revolution of this century together. Prime Minister Starmer and I are committed to further promoting cooperation in science and technology. This Business Roundtable is a symbolic demonstration of how companies from our two countries are advancing concrete cooperation in step with the efforts of our governments. I am delighted to see tangible progress being made across a wide range of strategic fields, including energy and innovation—such as offshore wind, nuclear energy, and fusion energy—as well as artificial intelligence, semiconductors, and cybersecurity. In addition, I firmly believe that cooperation between the outstanding companies of Japan and the United Kingdom will not only generate jobs and economic growth in our two countries, but will also contribute to prosperity across the international community.  The theme of today's Roundtable—economic security—is of critical importance. Economic security and economic growth are mutually reinforcing. Last month, I announced the updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP). This year marks the tenth anniversary of FOIP. One of its key pil