Japan and Britain have agreed to work closely following the latter's vote to leave the European Union, including addressing worries among Japanese companies of problems they may face, Japan's Foreign Ministry said.
In talks by phone on Wednesday, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida requested that British Foreign Secretary Philip Hammond "give due consideration to Japanese companies so that they can operate in the same manner as in the past," Kishida told reporters.
Hammond responded by saying Britain will listen carefully to the views of foreign companies including those from Japan before beginning EU exit talks, the ministry said.
It added, Kishida and Hammond also agreed to maintain or even strengthen the bilateral relationship, including in security and defense.
Japan is hoping for Britain's continued involvement in Asian affairs amid China's military buildup and North Korea's nuclear and missile programs.
Hammond said Britain is seeking to remain outward-looking and wants to strengthen defense and security ties with Japan, Kishida said.
Prior to the talks, Kishida spoke by phone with Federica Mogherini, high representative of the European Union for foreign affairs and security policy, in which Kishida expressed his hope for smooth negotiations between the European Union and Britain, the ministry said.