British Prime Minister Sunak and his Japanese counterpart Kishida will sign a defense pact in London on Wednesday. The pact will allow both country to deploy forces in each other’s territory as a latest move towards increased bilateral security ties. The reciprocal access defense agreement was agreed in principal last May. The two countries have also become partners with Italy in early December to build a new fighter jet.

Kishida is on a foreign trip to G7 nations and has visited Italy and France so far. He will travel to the United States and Canada after Britain. Japan currently holds the G7 presidency.

The agreement form part of Britain’s new Indo-Pacific foreign policy strategy as it looks to bolster security and trade ties in the region.

“This Reciprocal Access Agreement is hugely significant for both our nations – it cements our commitment to the Indo-Pacific,” Sunak said in a statement.

“In this increasingly competitive world, it is more important than ever that democratic societies continue to stand shoulder to shoulder as we navigate the unprecedented global challenges of our time.”

British Prime Minister’s Office said Sunak would raise the need for the group to maintain its collective support for Ukraine as the first anniversary of Russia’s invasion approaches in February.

Sunak and Kishida are also expected to discuss trade and Britain’s accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP). In December Britain and Japan also launched a digital partnership.