Our correspondent Terrence Terashima brings us more on May's visit. Theresa May's visit was eagerly awaited, not only by Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, but by many of the Japanese corporate leaders, who have their European headquarters in the U.K. Japanese are worried that Britain's exit from the European Union, might have grave impact on their investments in Europe.

 

There are over 1,000 Japanese companies in Britain, direct investment amounts to over 94 billion US dollars, Japan's 4th largest investment destination. Some of these companies have already set to relocate their operations to other EU countries, citing possible additional costs, tariffs and regulations.

 

Japanese government and business leaders have been very vocal about reassurances from emanating risks after Brexit. For both Abe and May, this bilateral is an important groundwork for ambitious trade agreements after UK left the EU.

 

THERESA MAY, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER I've had the opportunity to meet a number of major Japanese investors here in Tokyo who have reiterated to me their belief in the strength of the UK economy and their commitment to a mutually beneficial partnership. And Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe, it was good to reaffirm your continued faith in the UK economy including after Brexit.

 

The two Prime Ministers also agreed on the threats pose by the DPRK's missile programs. May showed her support over Japan calling for increasing international pressures on Pyongyang. Welcomed by Abe, who eyes to tighten alliances, as Japan seek to increase its participation in global security.

 

THERESA MAY, BRITISH PRIME MINISTER In response to this illegal action, (Japanese) Prime Minister (Shinzo) Abe and I have agreed to work together and with others in the international community to strengthen pressure against North Korea including by increasing the pace of sanctions implementation and working towards the adoption of a new and effective resolution at the United Nations Security Council.

 

TERRENCE TERASHIMA, TOKYO Question of the day, is that whether these statements by the Prime Ministers are enough to reassure Japanese companies that impact from Brexit could be minimal. But certainly, some are already measuring merits from future trade deals with UK. Terrence Terashima, CGTN Tokyo.