Prime Minister and Defense Minister Receive Courtesy Call from Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps

On March 26th, Prime Minister Abe received a courtesy call from General Robert B. Neller, Commandant of the U.S. Marine Corps at the Prime Minister’s office. On the same day, Minister Iwaya also received a courtesy call from Commandant Neller at the Ministry of Defense (MOD). The MOD/Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) will continue to strengthen the Japan-U.S. Alliance.

Courtesy Call from Ambassadors of the U.S. to Japan, the Republic of Korea, People’s Republic of China and the Republic of India

On April 5th, Minister Iwaya received a courtesy call from H.E. Mr. William Hagerty IV, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, H.E. Harry Harris, U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Korea, H.E. Mr. Terry Branstad, U.S. Ambassador to China and H.E. Mr. Kenneth Juster, U.S. Ambassador to India.

Courtesy Call by Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel, Department of National Defense, Republic of the Philippines and Commanding General of Philippine Air Force and Transfer Ceremony for the Parts and Maintenance Equipment of UH-1H Helicopter

On March 12th, Retired Brigadier General Elefante, Undersecretary for Finance and Materiel, Department of National Defense, Republic of the Philippines and Lieutenant General Briguez, Commanding General of Philippine Air Force paid a courtesy call to Minister Iwaya.

They also attended the transfer ceremony for the parts and maintenance equipment of UH-1H helicopter.

The MOD/JSDF will further expand and deepen defense cooperation with the Philippines.

Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Meeting

On March 25th, Minister Iwaya held the Japan-Oman Defense Ministerial Meeting and signing ceremony for “Memorandum on Defense Cooperation” between Japan and Oman with H.E. Badr, Minister Responsible for Defence Affairs of the Sultanate of Oman.

1. Both the Ministers reconfirmed the importance to secure freedom of navigation including access to ports and safety of maritime transportation under the vision of the “Free and Open Indo Pacific.” They also evaluated the signing of the Memorandum on the Defense Cooperation that symbolizes bilateral exchange and cooperation.

2. Minister Iwaya expressed his appreciation for Oman’s continuous support for counterpiracy activities, and Minister Badr responded that he would like to continue to cooperate on this matter. Also, both the Ministers agreed to further develop bilateral defense cooperation including maritime service exchanges based on the Memorandum signed on the day.

Furthermore, Minister Iwaya explained the security situation surrounding Japan, and Minister Badr explained the regional situation of the Middle East including that of Iran. Both the Ministers agreed on the importance of confidence building with concerned countries for the peace and stability of the region.