TOKYO (AP) – Japan and Britain’s economy and foreign ministers convened in Tokyo on Friday for their inaugural "two-plus-two" dialogue on economic matters. This meeting took place amid escalating concerns regarding the tariff policies of U.S. President Donald Trump. The ministers collectively expressed their commitment to fostering free and open international trade.
Participating in the discussions were Britain’s Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, Foreign Secretary David Lammy, Japan’s Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yoji Muto, and Foreign Minister Takeshi Iwaya. Reynolds emphasized that all four officials concurred on the importance of countering the increasing fragmentation in global trade, which has the potential to harm the global economy. They stressed the necessity of advocating for fair, rules-based international trade practices.
While the U.S. President’s name was not directly mentioned during the discussions, the backdrop of the meeting was characterized by Trump's tariff threats towards Canada, Mexico, and China, which have led to retaliatory vows from these nations. This geopolitical tension provided a context for the dialogue, underscoring the participants' enthusiasm for collaboration to mitigate the effects of such trade disputes.
In addition to addressing tariff issues, the four ministers reaffirmed their intention to cooperate closely on discussions concerning the World Trade Organization (WTO). Their agenda included contemporary trade-related challenges such as nonmarket policies and practices, as well as climate change initiatives. This aspect highlights their commitment to modernizing international trade frameworks to better address current global challenges.
The ministers also affirmed their agreement to deepen cooperation on reforms within the WTO framework. They underscored the significance of supporting the clean energy transition for developing nations, showcasing a willingness to address sustainable development alongside economic growth. This cooperation is vital as both nations, being the fourth- and sixth-largest economies in the world, recognize their influential roles in steering global trade policies toward equitable practices.
The meeting concluded with a shared emphasis on the necessity of developing robust international rules and norms that ensure an equitable and competitive global market. They acknowledged the importance of utilizing existing tools effectively to foster a global level playing field in trade.
Japan and Britain have been enhancing their economic collaboration in recent years, reflecting a mutual desire to strengthen their economic ties and address the complexities of international trade. The outcome of this dialogue suggests a proactive approach from both sides to tackle the pressing issues facing the global economy today, particularly in the light of protectionist policies emerging in various parts of the world.
Mari Yamaguchi, The Associated Press
