Welcome Speech by H.E. Ambassador Mr. Toyohisa KOZUKI at the Japanese Self Defense Forces’ Day 2019

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am very glad to welcome you to this Reception to celebrate the anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Self Defense Forces.

Japan-Russia relations, based on the tight dialogue between Prime-Minister Shinzo Abe and President Vladimir Putin, are developing in different spheres. Ten days ago the Japan-Russia Summit took place in Osaka within the “G20” Meeting. I went to Japan to participate in that meeting too.

Meanwhile in Osaka, we also held a closing ceremony for the Japan-Russia Cross-year. During the Cross-year we carried out more than 600 events and the number of visitors overtopped 1,5 billion people. Today we have invited to our reception those who helped to organize the Cross-year. Once more I express my gratitude to you.

Dear Guests!
Japan-Russia defense exchanges are carried out actively. Last July the 3rd Japan-Russia “2+2” Ministerial Meeting was held in Moscow and this May the 4th Japan-Russia “2+2” Ministerial Meeting was held in Tokyo. Japan values the importance of the “2+2” Meetings as they are mechanisms to widely discuss security issues at a high level.

I would like to emphasize that we continue to carry out high-level visits such as last October’s visit by the Chief of Joint Staff of the Self-Defense Forces Kawano and the visit by the Chief of the Ground Self-Defense Forces Staff Yuasa in May.

Exchanges between military units including joint exercises are also developing continuously. Last month joint search and rescue exercises took place. Since 1998 these are the 19th such exercises. Last year joint counter-piracy naval exercises were held in the Gulf of Aden for the first time. Friendly relations between military units of our countries are born during such exercises and they contribute significantly to relations of confidence between Japan and Russia.

Now let me introduce you to a new field of partnership with Russia which is the “non-traditional threats” response in third countries. The governments of Japan and Russia carry out training courses for counter-narcotics specialists from Afghanistan and Central Asian countries in Domodedovo at the All-Russian Institute of Advanced Training of Employees of the Ministry of Internal Affairs. Since 2012 200 specialists have already graduated from the course. Currently we are taking measures to build a drug detection dog center in Kabul. I believe that opportunities for Japan-Russia cooperation with third countries have great potential in the future.

Dear Guests!
I want to tell you good news. This summer the Central Band of the Ground Self-Defense Forces of Japan will participate for the first time in the “Spasskaya Tower” International Military Music Festival in Russia. Dear Guests, please enjoy the brilliant artistic performance by the Central Band of the Ground Self-Defense Forces.

In conclusion I would like to note that Japan, as a peaceful nation, is determined to contribute more to peace, stability and prosperity throughout the world.

I’m glad that we can celebrate the 65th anniversary of the establishment of the Self Defense Forces together.

Now let me turn the floor over to Defense Attaché Captain Shiro Sugiura. He has been in office for three years and is leaving Moscow this month. I would like to point out his contribution in promotion of defense cooperation between Japan and Russia. Captain Sugiura, the stage is yours.

Mr. Ambassador, thank you! My name is Captain Sugiura, the Defence Attache. Soon my 3-year stay will come to an end. During my posting I have managed to successfully fulfill my duties with the aid and cooperation rendered by all Russia Defence Ministry representatives and foreign military attaches. I hope that my everyday efforts contributed not only to Japan-Russia relations but also to the development of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific Region and in the whole world too. Thank you all for the warm support. Furthermore, I would like to introduce our new colleague – Naval Attaché Captain Kanda. I hope for your close cooperation and would like to ask you all to render him all possible help.

Let me propose a toast to the 65th Anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Self Defense Forces and to the health and happiness of all of you.

Kanpai!