Johnson Vows to Care for Japanese Firms over Brexit

Tokyo, Aug. 2 (Jiji Press)--New British Prime Minister Boris Johnson told his Japanese counterpart, Shinzo Abe, on Friday that London will give due consideration to Japanese firms in the country's exit from the European Union. Johnson's comments came as the two leaders had the 20-minute conversations by phone in their first talks since Johnson took office last week. Abe expressed hopes for an orderly Brexit to maintain the business operations of Japanese firms in Britain and minimize negative impacts on the world economy. While congratulating Johnson on becoming British prime minister, Abe said he wants to work together to further strengthen close relations between the two countries. Johnson expressed support for Abe's initiative for a free and open Indo-Pacific region. The two leaders also confirmed continued cooperation for North Korea's denuclearization and for an early settlement of the issue of its abductions of Japanese citizens. END