A new chapter is opening in Anglo-Japanese relations as the two countries work together for peace and security, and a better international economy, British Prime Minister Tony Blair said Tuesday.He told a news conference at the Japan National Press Club that his visit helped strengthen the bilateral relationship for the future.Welcoming Toyota Motor Corp.'s announcement of expanded operations in Britain, Blair said trade and investment relations will be promoted more in the future. He said he offered strong support to Tokyo for proposals to change the financial system and regulations, which would benefit Japan.Blair reiterated that Britain will not join the single European currency next Jan. 1, when it is launched, but London is making preparations to eventually join. He said Britain's economic conditions should be right and the benefits should be clear in joining the single currency.Blair and Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto agreed Monday to deepen relations through a plan called "U.K.-Japan Common Vision for the 21st Century."
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