(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I have an announcement. In response to the earthquake disaster that struck central Myanmar on March 28, the Government has dispatched the Japan Disaster Relief (JDR) Medical Team, consisting of doctors, nurses, and others, as part of humanitarian assistance that directly benefits the people of Myanmar. Since right after the earthquake, the Ministry of Defense (MOD) dispatched an assessment team to Myanmar to gather information, while getting ready for the immediate dispatch of necessary aircraft and other assets in preparation for international disaster relief activities. We have been taking all possible measures for responding to the disaster, working in coordination with relevant ministries and agencies. Against this backdrop, today, following a formal consultation from the Minister for Foreign Affairs under the Japan Disaster Relief Team Law, I issued an order to the Commander of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) Joint Operations Command (JJOC) to transport on SDF aircraft, medical goods necessary for international disaster relief activities. Specifically, tomorrow, as soon as preparations are complete, medical goods, including medicine and test kits, needed to continue the humanitarian assistance activities of the Medical Team, which is working in the disaster-stricken area of Mandalay, will be transported on C-130 transport aircraft from Japan to Mandalay International Airport. Since regular commercial flights are currently not operating at Mandalay International Airport, flying a C-130 transport aircraft will enable swifter and more reliable delivery of these essential medical goods to the Medical Team on the ground. The MOD/SDF will continue to work closely with relevant ministries and agencies and make maximum use of SDF aircraft capabilities. Under our consistent policy of supporting the people of Myanmar facing difficulties, and from the perspective of standing with the people of Myanmar, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to the response effort. This is the first international disaster relief activity since the JJOC was established.