Outgoing British Ambassador to Japan Julia Longbottom has underscored her confidence about deeper bilateral relations under the new administration of her country.

“I expect that relations with Japan under Prime Minister (Andy) Burnham will continue to grow stronger and stronger,” Longbottom said at a news conference at the Japan National Press Club in Tokyo on Monday, referring to the new British leader.

Burnham visited Japan twice in the last three years while he was mayor of Greater Manchester, and created a new sister city partnership with the city of Osaka, Longbottom said, noting that the two cities have historical connections.

“I can say with confidence that he is a fan of Japan, and he understands the importance of an ever-stronger” partnership between Britain and Japan, Longbottom said. Burnham took office on July 20.

Regarding Britain-Japan cooperation, Longbottom said it is clear that energy supplies cannot be separated from geopolitical risks in light of the ongoing turmoil in the Middle East. The two countries can work together in fields including offshore wind and nuclear power generation, and establish a safe and sustainable energy system, she said.

Longbottom is scheduled to leave Japan in mid-August after ending her job as ambassador, a post she assumed in 2021.

Looking back her tenure, Longbottom said Britain-Japan relations have developed dramatically thanks to people of Japan who offered support and cooperation in various fields.

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi posted her congratulatory message to Burnham on X on July 20, in which she said “I believe that you will lead” Britain with robust leadership, “leveraging your strong track record from your time as mayor of Greater Manchester.”

“I very much look forward to working closely with you to further deepen” Japan-Britain relations across a wide range of fields as “enhanced global strategic partners,” Takaichi also said.