Britain, Japan agree to strengthen defense ties

LONDON, Dec. 14 (Xinhua) -- Britain's recently appointed Defense Secretary Gavin Williamson said here Thursday that 2018 will mark the year British and Japanese military forces work even more closely together.

His comments came after Williamson and Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson met their Japanese counterparts at Greenwich Naval College to strengthen security and defense cooperation between the two countries.

Britain and Japan both agreed a three-year Defense cooperation plan, with a communique after Thursday's meeting saying: "It demonstrates the UK's dedication to working with Japan as a long term security partner, including activity across air, land and sea in the Asia Pacific region."

As a signal of the closer ties, Britain will next year send 45 army personnel to train with Japanese soldiers, the first time British troops will exercise on Japanese soil.

With plans already agreed, Britain will send two Royal Navy warships to visit Japan in 2018. And the Royal Air Force also plans future joint working with the Japanese Self-Defense Air Force. Enditem