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TOKYO (AP) — Economy and foreign ministers of Japan and Britain
agreed Friday to promote free and open international trade at
their first “two-plus-two” dialogue on economy held in Tokyo
amid growing concern about U.S. President Donald Trump 's tariff
threats.
Britain’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds — who
joined his colleague Foreign Secretary David Lammy and their
Japanese counterparts, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji
Muto and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya — said all four
ministers agreed that “it’s crucial to counter the increasing
trade fragmentation that is damaging the global economy, and
that we stand up for fair, rules-based international trade.”
None of them directly mentioned Trump, but the talks come amid
Trump’s tariff threats against Canada, Mexico and China and
their vows of retaliation.
The four ministers also confirmed that they will work closely
together in discussions on the World Trade Organization,
including addressing contemporary trade-related issues such as
nonmarket policies and practices, as well as climate change,
according to a U.K. statement.
They affirmed their commitment to deepening collaboration on WTO
reforms and supporting the clean energy transition in developing
countries.
The ministers emphasized the importance of developing robust
international rules and norms and effectively utilizing existing
tools to ensure a global level playing field.
Japan and Britain, the world’s fourth- and sixth-largest
economies, have stepped up their economic cooperation in recent
years.
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