Tokyo is seeking to hold early trade talks with the UK in anticipation of the country’s expected withdrawal from the European single market, The Guardian reported on 26 June.
The overtures from Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe are an attempt to protect bilateral commercial ties and reinforce the strong bond the countries share at a time when Britain’s international standing might be adversely affected.
The UK is prevented by European Union rules from negotiating trade deals formally before it leaves the bloc.