I made an official trip to the Republic of Djibouti to make an on-site inspection of the facility of the JMSDF antipiracy air squadron and encouraged members who are carrying out their missions between April 29 (Sun) and May 3 (Thu).

    Through this inspection I confirmed that the units are completely fulfilling anti-piracy activities and the morale of them are very high but there is much needs to be improved in the facility. The temperature was a little less than 40℃ on the day I visited there; they have to work in a difficult environment because the temperature in summer exceeds 50℃. We will continue to try to improve working atmosphere to maintain both their physical and mental health.

    I called on Secrétaire Général de la Présidencede la République de Djibouti to offer my thanks him for the vairous kinds of support and cooperation and exchanged opinions about anti-piracy activities. This enebled us to share the recognition that we need to promote mutual understanding in terms of the international anti-piracy activities between Japan and Djibouti and to cement our friendship in the future. I believe this trip was extremely fruitful because we had a true appreciation of necessity for closer cooperation among the nations concerned for maritime security and stability of the Horn of Africa regions in the exchange of opinions with local U.S. forces and Commander of French forces stationed in Djibouti.

    Anti-piracy activities are very significant for our country to fulfill our international responsibilities. The JMSDF will cooperate more closely with navies of the nations concerned in the future.

    Your understanding and support to the JMSDF is greatly appreciated.