Посол - Выступления

Distinguished guests, Ladies and Gentlemen!

I am very glad to celebrate with you the 61st anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Self Defense Forces.

Since 1992, the Self Defense Forces have been engaged in cooperation for peace and security of the international community mainly by taking part in the United Nations’ peacekeeping operations.

The Self Defense Forces personnel had been deployed to Cambodia, Mozambique, Rwanda, Golan Heights, Haiti, East Timor, Iraq. At the present time, they are taking part in the peace-keeping operations in South Sudan. The Self Defense Forces are also currently involved in anti-piracy activities off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.

Furthermore, the Self Defense Forces have been promoting defense cooperation with the partners in the Asia-Pacific region to contribute to the regional stability. The activities of the Self Defense Forces have been enjoying the support and high reputation from many countries.

Japan will continue to expand and deepen cooperation with other countries along the line of the policy, so-called ‘Proactive Contribution to Peace’ based on the principle of international cooperation so that Japan will play more active role in ensuring peace and stability of the world. From this standpoint, the Japanese Government has proposed the legislation for peace and security, and the bills concerned are now under the deliberations of the Japanese Diet.

Let me briefly touch upon the relations between Japan and Russia. I would like to stress that the good and stable relations between our two countries are important and necessary not only for the interests of both countries but also for the interests of the Asian Pacific region. From this viewpoint, despite the different positions on certain international issues, Japan attaches importance to dialogue with Russia including security area.

Finally, I would like to tell you that Defense Attaché Colonel Ishida has fulfilled his mission and will soon leave Moscow. Let me express my gratitude to all of you for your kind support and friendship rendered to him and his wife. Let’s wish Colonel Ishida and his wife all the best and success in their new life in Japan.

Finally, I would like to tell you that Defense Attaché Colonel Ishida has fulfilled his mission and will soon leave Moscow. Let me express my gratitude to all of you for your kind support and friendship rendered to him and his wife. Let’s wish Colonel Ishida and his wife all the best and success in their new life in Japan.

Now let me propose a toast to the 61st Anniversary of the establishment of the Japanese Self Defense Forces and to the health and happiness of all of you. Kanpai!