TOKYO, July 15 (UPI) -- The foreign policy of the unity government in London must be tied to the economy to promote long-term growth, London's foreign secretary said in Japan.
British Foreign Secretary William Hague said in Tokyo during his state tour of countries in Asia that the foreign policy of the coalition government led by Prime Minister David Cameron must focus on economic ties.
Hague said the Cameron government would look beyond its shores to find new partners in emerging economies "where so much economic opportunity now lies."
He said stronger bilateral relationships with countries like Japan, coupled with new approaches to the economic development, would bring economic stability and prosperity to the international community.
The minister added that a decidedly British value system in international affairs may be the most effective policy in an increasingly networked world.
The Cameron government, he said, believes that British foreign policy needs to make economic policies a central principle to international engagement.
"We are confident that this new approach will deliver results for Britain and that as a country we have a great deal to offer our partners in the global economy," he said.
The foreign minister met Thursday with Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan, saying he supported a permanent role for Tokyo in the U.N. Security Council.
