On June 8, Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held a meeting with Prime Minister Tony Blair during his participation at the G8 Summit in Sea Island, Georgia. The two leaders discussed bilateral relations between Japan and the UK, and welcomed the steady progress in co-operation between the two countries in the information and communications, science and technology and environment sectors. This progress was based on the joint statements that were announced at the previous Japan-UK Summit Meeting held in Japan last July. Both Prime Ministers agreed to make efforts to advance further co-operation.

In terms of economic and investment relations, Prime Minister Koizumi reiterated his emphasis on promoting foreign direct investment into Japan, whilst Prime Minister Blair strongly praised the role that direct investment from Japan had played in the UK. Both leaders agreed that it was important to continue to promote mutual investment opportunities in the future.

On the subject of Iraq, both leaders welcomed the unanimous adoption of the UN Security Council resolution on Iraq, just before the beginning of the Summit, as it marked a significant achievement of international co-operation. They agreed that it was essential for the Iraqi people to be able to feel a clear sense of change as a result of the transfer of sovereignty, and for them to gradually assume responsibility for national administration and security.

Prime Minister Blair expressed his respect for, and appreciation of, Prime Minister Koizumi's great courage and conviction in continuing humanitarian and reconstruction assistance to Iraq under the difficult circumstances of the recent hostage incidents. Both leaders agreed to continue their efforts towards the reconstruction of Iraq.

Prime Minister Blair positively appraised the results of Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to North Korea, stating that his involvement was very constructive and that leaders placed trust in him. Prime Minister Blair also expressed his support for the Six-Party Talks process, noting that British support for the Japanese position remained unchanged.