UK, Japan agree to work to counter nuclear threats

LONDON, Jan 9 (Reuters) - Britain and Japan agreed today to work together more closely on countering nuclear threats from North Korea and Iran.

In a joint statement released after talks between Prime Minister Tony Blair and visiting Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, the two countries urged Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear weapons programme and called on Tehran to stop uranium enrichment work.

''We intend to cooperate more closely to strengthen counter-proliferation efforts, including through enhanced consultation and coordination over North Korea and Iran,'' the statement said.

Britain and Japan expressed grave concern over North Korea's missile launch and nuclear test last year and urged North Korea to comply with a UN Security Council resolution that imposed sanctions on Pyongyang after its nuclear test.

They urged North Korea to abandon all nuclear weapons and nuclear programmes.

''We also express our deep concern at Iran's failure to take the steps required by the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) board and the UN Security Council, including a full suspension of all uranium enrichment-related and reprocessing activities,'' it said.

The statement said Britain supported Japan's bid for permanent membership of the UN Security Council, a move Japan has been pushing for to boost its role in global security affairs.

Abe is in London at the start of a five-day tour of Europe, seeking support for the tough line Washington and Tokyo are taking towards North Korea after its missile and nuclear tests.

Reuters DKS VP0055