Japan, Britain agree to deepen security cooperation

Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and visiting British Foreign Secretary William Hague agreed on Wednesday to deepen bilateral security cooperation in maritime, cyberspace and anti-terrorism measures, the Japanese minister said. The two also agreed to closely share information about the Middle East, North Africa and Southeast Asia, Kishida told a joint news conference with Hague after their talks, adding that the two countries will hold a bilateral working-level meeting on the matter at the earliest. Kishida briefed Hague on Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's security policy, including his plan to create a Japanese version of US-style National Security Council and to review security strategy. "I explained that Japan hopes to contribute more proactively than before to regional and global peace and stability,"Kishida said. For his part, Hague said, "We welcome a more active role of Japan in issues of international peace and stability." The British minister also welcomed Japan's move to set up a National Security Council and create a national security strategy, saying his country looks forward to sharing Japan's experience in establishing and managing the council. The two also agreed to continue bilateral cooperation over Syria while Kishida stressed the importance of maintaining peace and stability in East Asia. Meanwhile, Kishida and Hague confirmed plans to promote joint development of defense equipment. In July, the two countries signed an agreement to jointly develop defense equipment. Hague arrived in Tokyo on Tuesday for a two-day visit.