Japan Embassy celebrates Self-Defense Forces Day
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ISLAMABAD: Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan Mitsuhiro Wada hosted reception to celebrate 69th anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF) Day. Defense Attache Colonel ABE Kazuo represented Japan Self-Defense Forces at Embassy, said news release issued here.
Lt Gen Sarfraz Ahmed, HI(M) was chief guests. Reception was attended by military officials as well as caretaker ministers, parliamentarians, senior members of government, members of diplomatic community and dignitaries from public and private sectors.
In his remarks, Ambassador said "I am very pleased to see progress in defense exchanges and cooperations between Japan and Pakistan," and "I believe that deepening of exchanges and cooperation between JSDF and Pakistan Armed Forces in addition to grassroots cooperation will lead to strengthening of Japan-Pakistan relations."
In February, Maritime Self-Defense Force participated in multilateral joint exercise 'AMAN23' hosted by Pakistani Navy. In August, two countries co-hosted Preparatory Meeting for UN Peacekeeping Ministerial in Islamabad.
In September, 9th Japan-Pakistan Security Dialogue was held in Tokyo to discuss wide range of issues including foreign policy, security policy and counter-terrorism measures.
With regard to disaster relief, in earthquake in 2005 and floods in 2010 in Pakistan, JSDF dispatched helicopter unit to transport relief supplies and affected people as part of Japan Disaster Relief Team.
In March this year, in cooperation with Pakistan Armed Forces and NATO, JSDF conducted airlift operation for people of Türkiye affected by devastating earthquake. As part of this operation, JSDF transported tents and winter kits from Pakistan to Türkiye.
Participants enjoyed Japanese food and Japanese kendo performance by Embassy staff. JSDF Day was originally celebrated when Japan Defense Agency (upgraded to Ministry in 2007) and JSDF were established on July 1, 1954, but date has been changed to November 1 as JSDF are expected to respond to natural disasters such as frequent typhoons in summer season in Japan.
