By Faten Omar
The Embassy of Japan hosted on Tuesday, a reception on the 68th anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). Ambassadors, government officials, the diplomatic corps and the media attended the celebration. In his welcome remarks, Ambassador of Japan to Kuwait, Morino Yasunari said, "Japan Self Defense Forces with their 68-year history have now become very active contributors to world peace and security by conducting various missions."
Ambassador Yasunari emphasized that Japan and Kuwait enjoy a long tradition of friendship and helping each other, "Japan will never forget the enormous support Kuwait extended to Japan, when it was hit by a major earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Kuwait, as an essential player for stability in the Middle East, is our critical partner in the area of peace and security. We are proud that the JSDF carried out humanitarian and reconstruction assistance activities in Iraq from 2004-2008 with great support from Kuwait. We hope to further develop our cooperation with the Kuwaiti Armed Forces, especially for education and training of personnel," he said.
The ambassador highlighted that JSDF is strengthening its cooperation with its ally, the US, and other partners to address security challenges and contribute to security in the Indo-Pacific region. "Japan emphasizes the importance of further efforts to be made to uphold and strengthen the rules-based international order. I would like to continue to promote cooperation between Japan and Kuwait for world peace and prosperity," Yasunari affirmed.
He also cited the efforts of JSDF in the sea off Somalia and the Gulf of Aden, where it is participating in international anti-piracy operations. Also, its personnel are now working with troops from other countries in the Multinational Force and Observers in the Sinai Peninsula. Chairman of the Kuwait Military Education Authority at the Ministry of Defense, Major General Fahad Altraiji expressed his regards and appreciation on behalf of the Kuwaiti Armed Forces chief to Ambassador Yasunari and Defense Attaché Col Takada Naoki. He said Kuwait and Japan have enjoyed excellent relations for over six decades - both countries pursuing a policy of proactive peace within the regions of Asia and the Middle East.
"We are considering enhancing cooperation into the field of professional military education and training. Our military schools have developed into highly capable institutions; well-regarded both regionally and across the globe. It would be a privilege to receive students from Japan among the current international cohort, as perhaps some form of the student exchange program," Altraiji said.
"In 1991, Japan underlined this friendship as a vocal member of the international coalition during the liberation of Kuwait. Japan provided strong support for peace restoration activities within the Gulf region, contributing to transportation, goods and materials, and clearing the Gulf waters from sea mines, as well as medical services," Turaiji said. "The Kuwaiti people will not forget Japan's stance and solid support in our hour of need."
He stressed that the defense cooperation between the two countries has continued to grow in multiple sectors, where defense officials have been meeting to explore and seek prospects of cooperation, sharing of ideas and the exchange of insights and viewpoints, which enhance the national security interests of both countries. Altraiji also noted, "As Kuwait and Japan seek to maintain the security of our people and sovereignty over our lands, we have much in common. As peace-seeking nations, we hold dear the same defense principles, -- both have policies based on deterrence and international cooperation and both are underpinned with a force established only to be defensive."