Japan, UK ink cooperation memorandum for information-sharing regarding citizens abroad

Japan and the UK on Monday signed a memorandum of cooperation to enhance peacetime information-sharing about their citizens abroad.

Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi signed the memorandum, titled Mutual Assistance to Japanese and British Nationals Abroad, alongside UK Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper in Tokyo.

"Under this Memorandum, both sides will share information in peacetime, which is expected to contribute significantly to ensuring the safety of Japanese nationals during crises, as the Memorandum provides a foundation for further facilitating smooth cooperation in times of crises," according to a statement by Japan’s Foreign Ministry.

Cooper has been in Japan from Sunday to Monday for the 10th Japan-UK Foreign Ministers’ Strategic Dialogue.