I would like to start by offering a tribute to President George H.W Bush. Today we remember a great statesman and a true friend of Britain. We send our deepest condolences to the American people and to his family.

As we conclude this meeting of the G20 I would like to congratulate President Macri on Argentina’s Presidency and on the hosting of this summit.

As the first British Prime Minister to visit Buenos Aires I am grateful for the warmth of the welcome I have received

The visit marks an important milestone in the relationship between the UK and Argentina.

Yesterday President Macri and I held productive talks on the way forward in our partnership, including on trade and investment.

We also welcomed the agreement on a new commercial air link between the Falklands and São Paulo via Córdoba, a move that shows what we can achieve when we work together.

The UK has always been clear about the importance of the G20 to international economic co-operation and the rules based order.

The G20 brings together countries that collectively constitute 85 per cent of gross world product, two-thirds of the world’s population and around half of the world’s land area.

It is a vital forum in which we can work together to achieve strong, sustainable and balanced growth.

And ten years on from the first G20 Leaders Meeting this has been a productive Summit.

We have made strong commitments to work together on a range of areas including reform of the World Trade Organisation and making the global economy work for everyone.

We also discussed other key priorities such as tackling climate change and promoting global health.

And I welcome the commitments made on stepping up the fight against modern slavery.

Over the course of the Summit I have had a number of meetings with other world leaders.

As well as discussing bilateral relationships and regional and global security issues this Summit has given me the opportunity to update friends and partners on the agreement we have reached on our exit from the European Union — and I have set out how it represents a good deal for the global economy.

International firms that have invested in UK production or that use European bases to supply the UK market will benefit from the arrangements we have agreed.

And for the first time in more then four decades the UK will have an independent trade policy, playing an active role on the global stage as we take up our seat at the WTO in April 2019.

That this deal sets a path for the UK to a brighter future has been affirmed by the discussions I have had on trade over the past two days…

With friends and partners making clear that they are keen to sign and implement ambitious free trade agreements with us as soon as possible.

Thank you

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

This afternoon the Prime Minister met President Sebastian Piñera of Chile at the G20 Summit in Buenos Aires.

The leaders expressed the strong historic ties between the two countries based on shared values and a commitment to free trade.

The Prime Minister and President Piñera discussed the political and commercial relationship between the UK and Chile in relation to the transition of current trading agreements post Brexit.

They welcomed the constructive discussions to date on transitioning the current EU-Chile Association Agreement and reaffirmed commitment on both sides to conclude the agreement swiftly.

Published 1 December 2018

Today the Prime Minister held bilateral talks with Prime Minister Abe of Japan at the G20 in Buenos Aires.

The leaders agreed that the UK-Japan relationship is vital to the prosperity and security of both countries and welcomed the strengthening of the relationship since the Prime Minister’s visit to Japan in 2017.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Abe noted the continued long-term commitment to the UK by Japanese companies such as Nissan, Toyota, Softbank and others.

The Prime Minister set out the deal agreed between the UK and the EU last week and the leaders reaffirmed their commitment to work quickly to establish a new economic partnership between Japan and the UK in the future based on the EU-Japan Economic Partnership Agreement.

“They looked forward to the UK and Japan working closely through the World Trade Organisation as the UK takes up its independent seat in April 2019.

The Prime Minister warmly welcomed Japanese support for potential UK accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership.

The Prime Minister and Prime Minister Abe discussed deepening co-operation in a range of areas including on security and defence, innovation and technology. They committed to working closely together during Japan’s G20 Presidency.

Building on strong UK-Japan defence and security cooperation, the leaders spoke about regional and maritime security issues including the shared commitment to the full and verifiable denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. They agreed on the need to maintain sanctions.

They noted the G7 Foreign Ministers’ statement regarding Russia’s actions in the Sea of Azov. The Prime Minister said the international community must call on Russia to release the 23 detained sailors and three vessels.

A Downing Street spokesperson said:

This morning at the G20 the Prime Minister met Prime Minister Morrison of Australia for the first time.

The PM congratulated Prime Minister Morrison on his appointment and said the UK remained committed to the strong and enduring partnership between our countries.

She added that the UK is stepping up engagement in the Indo-Pacific with new missions in Samoa, Tonga and Vanuatu and an enhanced relationship with ASEAN.

The leaders also welcomed the deal between the UK and Australia on Type 26 frigates as an example of the depth of our defence relationship.

On trade the Prime Minister updated Prime Minister Morrison on the deal on the UK’s exit from the European Union.

They agreed that as the UK leaves the EU the relationship will continue to go from strength-to-strength and welcomed work to lay the foundations for an ambitious future UK/Australia Free Trade Agreement.

Published 1 December 2018

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt said:

I was deeply sorry to hear of the death of President George H W Bush.

President Bush was a true ally of the UK, from his service with the US Navy during World War II, to his commitment to the transatlantic alliance while in high office during a time of dramatic change in the world.

He will be remembered for his dedication to public service and his pledge to use American strength as a force for good.

I send my sincerest condolences to his family, and to the American people.

Further information

Published 1 December 2018