Visiting Japanese Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae met with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer in London on June 14.

According to government sources, the waiting room for Prime Minister Takaichi was once the office of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher, whom Takaichi has described as her political role model.

During the meeting, Takaichi emphasized the importance of the relationship between the two countries.

Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae / The United Kingdom is an indispensable and important partner for Japan. Through cooperation including the GCAP next-generation fighter jet program, our relationship has reached a level that could be described as that of quasi-allies.

The two leaders agreed to further strengthen cooperation in areas including economic security, energy security, and cybersecurity.

Takaichi also outlined plans to propose a joint stockpiling initiative for critical minerals and energy resources at the G7 Summit, which opens in France on June 15. Prime Minister Starmer expressed support for the proposal.

Following the talks, Japan and the United Kingdom issued a joint declaration on economic security cooperation.

Prime Minister Takaichi is also scheduled to visit Rome for talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni ahead of the G7 Summit.

She is expected to seek Italy's support for the proposed international stockpiling framework for critical minerals and energy supplies.