TOKYO, Aug. 31 (Xinhua) -- Japan and Britain agreed on Thursday to boost economic ties in light of Britain's withdrawal from the European Union (EU).
In a joint declaration by visiting British Prime Minster Theresa May and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the two countries confirmed that they will work quickly to form a "new economic partnership" as Britain exits the EU.
Abe told a joint press conference after his meeting with May that he has asked the British side to ensure "transparency and predictability" of the transition to minimize the impacts of the "Brexit" on Japanese companies in Britain and that May gave him an encouraging answer.
"The UK is clear that it wants a smooth and orderly transition to its new relationship with the EU and our key partners, including Japan," said the joint declaration.
In another joint declaration, the two countries said they will work with others in the international community to further strengthen pressure against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after the DPRK's recent ballistic missile launch.
The two sides also pledged to cooperate further in security area.
May arrived in Osaka in western Japan on Wednesday afternoon, marking her first visit to Japan since she became prime minister in July last year.
