(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
I would like to make one announcement at the outset. It is about the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS) to which Japan has dispatched Self-Defense Force (SDF) personnel. At the cabinet meeting today, the Government of Japan decided to extend the dispatch period by a year pursuant to the relevant United Nations (UN) Security Council resolution. Ever since Japan began dispatching staff officers in 2011, it has continued to dispatch SDF personnel for over 14 years, and the Implementation Plan will be revised for the 23rd time. In addition to the staff officers whose dispatch period will be extended, an SDF officer has been serving as Force Chief of Staff of UNMISS since May of this year. In this way, Japan’s personnel contributions have continued. We believe these personnel contributions will lead to Japan’s proactive contribution to the UN’s efforts for international peace, and are significant for establishing a desirable security environment for Japan. Through the dispatch of SDF personnel and other efforts, the Ministry of Defense and the SDF will continue to contribute to the peace and stability of the world. That concludes my opening remarks.