Boris Johnson meets and shakes hands with state-of-the-art robot in bizarre diplomatic visit to Japan

Boris Johnson was introduced to a state-of-the-art robot during a diplomatic visit to Japan, during which he hopes to strengthen trade deals.

The Foreign Secretary arrived in the country on Thursday for top level cyber security, defence and trade talks.

As part of the visit, he met a humanoid robot at Research Institute for Science and Engineering in Tokyo.

Amusing pictures show Mr Johnson shaking hands with the robot, named Wabian2, before adopting a bizarre stance that made the politician look as though he was sizing up the android.

The robots at the centre – which works closely with the University of Birmingham – have been designed to help in disaster situations and with healthcare.

On arriving in the country on Thursday, Mr Johnson said he had gone to Japan to “build on our historic relationship, which is based on common values, support for democracy, human rights and free and open markets”.

“Japanese companies invest more than £40 billion in the UK and our commercial relationship is stronger than ever”, he added.

“We do great work together on everything from defence and security to education, research and innovation.”

Mr Johnson will head to New Zealand and Australia after he leaves Japan.