Abecongratulates Britain’s next PM Johnson

July 24, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has sent a congratulatory message to Boris Johnson for being elected as the new leader of Britain's ruling Conservative Party to become the country's next prime minister.

In his message, sent on Tuesday, Abe urged the former British foreign secretary to avoid Britain's exit from the European Union without a deal.

Abe said he strongly hopes that Britain will continue to listen to the voices from the business world, including those from Japanese-affiliated companies, and to lead free and active economy in Europe and around the globe.

The Japanese prime minister said he has high hopes that London will realize an orderly Brexit, based on an agreement with the EU, so as to minimize the negative effects of the move on Japanese-affiliated firms in Britain and on the world economy.

Meanwhile, Abe voiced eagerness to further deepen ties between Japan and Britain.

He said Tokyo wants to work closely together with London in tackling international and regional issues, including in security and defense areas. Jiji Press