(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to report about the completion of the disaster relief dispatch for the 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Regarding the disaster relief operations of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) in the wake of the Noto Peninsula Earthquake that occurred on January 1 this year, the provision of support for bathing services in Suzu City ended on Saturday, August 31, and the relief unit returned to its original unit yesterday, on September 2. This marked the completion of all disaster relief operations for the Noto Peninsula Earthquake. Under conditions with extremely difficult access by land in the areas affected by the disaster, with the road network cut off on the peninsula, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) and SDF conducted search and rescue operations and livelihood support operations, making the saving of lives the top priority. A total of 1.14 million personnel were engaged in the disaster relief operations for eight months, making this the longest earthquake disaster relief dispatch in history. I feel the SDF personnel standing with the people affected on the ground and putting in their best efforts with sincerity and dedication were highly dependable, and I would like to express my appreciation for personnel and their families. Although SDF disaster relief operations have concluded, MOD and SDF will continue to cooperate solidly with the Government on efforts toward the recovery and reconstruction of affected areas.
Regarding the Japan-Norway Defense Ministerial Meeting, today, Tuesday, September 3, I will welcome H.E. Mr. Bjørn Arild Gram, the Minister of Defence of Norway, to MOD, and we will hold the Japan-Norway Defense Ministerial Meeting. This will be the first visit by a Defense Minister of Norway to Japan in approximately 40 years. Japan and Norway are geographically far apart, but are both maritime countries and positioned to the east and west of Russia respectively. As such, both countries share many similarities in terms of their recognition on the situations and strategic interests. From this perspective, it is very meaningful to create opportunities for high-level dialogues between the defense authorities of the two countries such as today’s meeting. In addition, taking the opportunity of Defence Minister Gram’s visit to Japan, the defense authorities of Japan and Norway earlier signed a memorandum of understanding on defense equipment and technology cooperation with the aim of enhancing cooperation in the future. At today’s meeting, based on these progresses, we plan to share the recognition on the regional situation, and hold concrete discussions toward further advancing security and defense cooperation between the two countries, including defense equipment and technology cooperation.