The UK And Japan Strengthen Defence Ties

The Defence Secretary and Foreign Secretary met their Japenese counterparts at Greenwich Naval College and agreed a three-year defence co-operation plan.

During the meeting it was also confirmed that HMS Sutherland will visit Japan next year. 

This is alongside HMS Argyll which, back in August, Prime Minister Theresa May announced would head to Japan to take part in an exercise. 

It is hoped the three-year defence co-operation plan will see Theresa May and Prime Minister Shinzo Abe work closer together on defence issues.

Alongside the Naval deployment, the UK will send around 45 British Army personnel to train with Japanese soldiers next year and continue to work closely with the Japanese Self-Defense Air Force.

Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson said:

"Japan is one of our closest partners in the Asia Pacific region and as tension grows on the Korean peninsula, our relationship is vitally important".

"2018 will mark the year UK and Japanese forces work even more closely together, with two of our Royal Navy frigates visiting the country and UK troops training on Japanese soil for the very first time".

Mr Williamson also confirmed that the UK will send a Royal Navy captain and five medics to the US-led Pacific Partnership deployment which will provide humanitarian and disaster relief training to military and civilian organisations.