Visitation to Maritime Operations Center by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Djibouti.

Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the Republic of Djibouti, Mr. HARA Keiichi visited Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, VADM SAITO in the Maritime Operation Center. VADM SAITO was glad at seeing him again since he visited Djibouti in March this year, and expressed his gratitude for the great understanding and support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Embassy of Japan in Djibouti for the anti-piracy operations conducted by the JSDF and the SD Fleet. They exchanged views on the increasingly unstable security environment in the Middle East, further strengthening of the relationship between the JSDF and the Djibouti Armed Forces, and the importance of a free and open ocean based on the rule of law.
The Republic of Djibouti is located in the Bab el Mandeb Strait and the Gulf of Aden, the main artery of world trade connecting Europe and Asia. JMSDF destroyers and patrol aircraft have been deployed to engage in surveillance activities and escorting commercial ships day and night to maintain order along the important maritime transportation routes that support the global economy since the start of activities in 2009.
The Self Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific” in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.