Visit to Maritime Operation Center by Fleet Commander of the Royal Navy.

On 15 June, Fleet Commander of the Royal Navy, Vice Admiral Andrew Burns visited Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, Vice Admiral SAITO Akira.
The United Kingdom, being a major power that has influence not only in Europe but also in the rest of the world, has historically maintained close relations with Japan. On the security front, Japan shares the same strategic interests as the United Kingdom, as both countries are important allies of the United States. Recently, HMS QUEEN ELIZABETH Carrier Strike Group deployed in the Indo-Pacific and waters surrounding Japan in 2021. They conducted a multilateral exercise and made a goodwill port call in Japan. The defense authorities in Japan and the U.K. have agreed that the defense cooperation between Japan and the U.K. has elevated to a “new level”, that the U.K.’ s commitment to realize a FOIP is robust and irreversible; and that Japan-U.K. defense cooperation contributes not only to the security of Japan but also to securing peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the international community, while addressing global challenges.
In a conversation, they shared the recognition about global security challenges and confirmed that they do not tolerate any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo. In addition, they agreed to further strengthen cooperation through personnel exchange, bilateral and multilateral exercise including asset deployment.
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.