British Prime Minister David Cameron met with Japanese Emperor Akihito Tuesday after his arrival in Tokyo for a two-day visit. The Japanese government was considering a plan for the 78-year-old emperor and Empress Michiko to visit Britain in May to attend a ceremony in celebration of the 60th anniversary of Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the throne, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said. During the meeting at the Imperial Palace, Cameron conveyed a message from the queen that she would be pleased to meet the couple. The emperor expressed gratitude to Cameron for Britain's support in the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, which struck north-eastern Japan, the Kyodo News agency said. Cameron was also to hold talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and business leaders as he sought to strengthen the two countries' cooperation in the defence industry, local media reported. "There are many opportunities for defence cooperation" between Britain and Japan, Cameron was quoted by Kyodo as saying prior to his arrival.
