Defense Minister Kihara presented “Grand Cordon of the Order of the Rising Sun” to Admiral John C. Aquilino, Commander, U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and offered his congratulations on April 22.
The Commander significantly enhanced coordination between the Japan Self Defense Forces and the United States Forces, and contributed greatly to strengthening the Alliance capability to deter and respond and realizing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
At the outset of the courtesy call, ADM Aquilino conveyed his condolences for the SDF member who was lost during crash of JMSDF SH-60K patrol helicopters on 20 Apr. Defense Minister Kihara expressed his gratitude for U.S. side’s offering support for the search and rescue operation, and told that SDF continues its tireless effort in searching for the remaining members.
Moreover, they stressed that the Japan-U.S. Alliance has never been more important in the midst of severe and complex security environment and affirmed the continued close cooperation between the two countries in order to maintain and strengthen the peace and stability in the region.