Abe holds phone conversation with new British PM

 Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe held a phone conversation with his new British counterpart Boris Johnson on Friday, the Foreign Ministry here said.

It was the first conversation over the phone between the two leaders since Johnson took office last week.

Abe expressed concern about a possible negative impact on Japanese firms operating in Britain if it quits the European Union without a deal, Xinhua news agency reported.

According to the Ministry, the former London Mayor responded by promising to sufficiently consider such companies. During the call, Abe urged Johnson to ensure an orderly exit from the bloc, the report said.

The two sides also agreed to coordinate over the matter of the denuclearization of North Korea. IANS