Abe to Visit Netherlands, Britain from Wednesday

January 8, 2019

Tokyo--Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will visit the Netherlands and Britain from Wednesday to Friday, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Tuesday.

Abe will meet with British Prime Minister Theresa May on Thursday to discuss topics, such as Britain's exit from the European Union and the country possibly joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement among Japan and 10 other countries.

Suga said at a press conference that Abe will go on the trip to confirm cooperation over a summit of the Group of 20 major advanced and developing nations, which will be held in Osaka, western Japan, in June, and close cooperation over key common issues, including the situation involving North Korea.

During his stay in Britain, Abe will visit Twickenham Stadium, located in the suburbs of London, with Japan hosting the 2019 Rugby World Cup in autumn. The stadium is known as a mecca of rugby.

Abe will also hold talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte on Wednesday. The two plan to confirm cooperation in economic areas.

It will be the first time since March 2014 for Abe to visit the Netherlands and the first time since April 2017 for him to travel to Britain. Jiji Press