(Provisional translation by an external company for reference purpose only)
Today, I have two announcements at the outset. The first one concerns Indonesia. It is about the international disaster relief activities in response to the forest fires in the Republic of Indonesia. The JS Kunisaki transport vessel, which had been dispatched to the affected area, returned to the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) Yokosuka Area today. As part of the international disaster relief activities, three CH-47 transport helicopters carried out firefighting operations 56 times and dropped approximately 280 tons of water. Even amid the challenging conditions, the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) steadily performed its mission. This earned high trust and appreciation in Indonesia. On September 30, JSDF personnel were commended directly by Minister of Defense Sjafrie, and all personnel were awarded medals. I am very proud of the active role played by the JSDF, whose excellence is demonstrated internationally. A homecoming ceremony is planned to be held at the MSDF Yokosuka Area the day after tomorrow, October 18. I will also attend that day to personally welcome the personnel home and commend them for their dedicated service. As a member of the international community, the Ministry of Defense and the JSDF will continue to proactively provide humanitarian assistance whenever necessary. Building on the trust fostered through this mission, Japan will further deepen its defense cooperation with Indonesia.
The second announcement is about the holding of a defense ministers’ meeting with Malaysia. Minister of Defence Dato’ Seri Haji Mohamed Khaled bin Nordin of Malaysia will visit Japan next week, from October 18 to 21. On Monday, October 19, a Japan-Malaysia defense ministers’ meeting will be held. Japan and Malaysia are Comprehensive and Strategic Partners that share fundamental values and principles. Defence Minister Khaled’s visit to Japan will mark the first visit to Japan in eight years by a Malaysian Minister of Defence. I am very pleased to be able to hold a meeting with Minister Khaled in Japan for the first time. At the defense ministers’ meeting, we intend to exchange views on regional situations and have a candid and concrete discussion toward further strengthening defense cooperation between Japan and Malaysia, including in the field of maritime security. Taking this opportunity, I hope to build a robust relationship of trust with Minister Khaled. That concludes my two opening remarks.