(VOVworld) – Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recommended that the UK remain part of the European Union (EU).

Speaking at a joint press conference with the British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit on Thursday, Mr. Abe said a vote to leave the EU would make the UK a less attractive destination for Japanese investors.  (Photo: AFP/ VNA)

Speaking at a joint press conference with the British Prime Minister David Cameron during his visit on Thursday, Mr. Abe said a vote to leave the EU would make the UK a less attractive destination for Japanese investors. He said although British voters will decide whether the UK stays in the EU or not, Japan’s interests will be affected by the referendum in June.

Mr. Abe said Japan clearly wants Britain to remain part of the EU and many Japanese companies choose the UK because it is a gateway to the EU. About 1,000 Japanese firms are operating in the UK, employing 140,000 people.

Mr. Cameron said Japan is the UK's second biggest investor after the United States, with a total investment of 38 billion pounds. He said investment from Japan has played a key role in the recovery of the UK’s automobile industry.