Japan: Defense chief Onodera to visit Djibouti, eyes greater security role

Kyodo
Monday, April 14, 2014

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Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera plans to visit Djibouti after the Golden Week holidays in early May, government sources said Monday, as Japan hopes to build a hub for Self-Defense Forces peacekeeping operations in Africa and the Middle East.

Onodera is expected to exchange views with Djiboutian government officials on the plan, the sources said. The minister is also expected to visit conflict-stricken South Sudan where SDF personnel have been dispatched for peacekeeping operations.

Japan and Djibouti have agreed on a pact to use Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport for antipiracy missions, but they need to hold further consultations if they are to expand its use, according to the sources.
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is seeking to increase Japan's contributions to global peace and security, and encourage more Japanese companies to do business abroad.

Tokyo has judged it is necessary to prepare infrastructure for the SDF to engage in more peacekeeping and emergency relief operations abroad. Djibouti is regarded as a suitable choice for the SDF as U.S. troops are also stationed in the country, the sources said.

The government is also placing priority on securing a transportation hub to rescue people in emergency situations overseas, after the hostage crisis in Algeria in January last year in which dozens of foreign nationals were killed, including 10 Japanese.

Under the plans, Japan will gather medical goods and tents in Djibouti for peacekeeping operations, and armed trucks could also be brought to the country for use in emergency transportation, the sources said. The revised SDF law has enabled the SDF to use land vehicles to transport Japanese and foreign nationals in emergency situations abroad, in addition to the previously allowed sea and air transportation.
The SDF has been engaged in antipiracy missions in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia since March 2009, with two P-3C patrol aircraft and SDF members stationed in Djibouti.

Since November 2011, Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport has also served as a transit point for C-130 transport aircraft carrying rifles and ammunition to Ground Self-Defense Force personnel engaged in peacekeeping operations in South Sudan.

Abe visited Djibouti last August and renewed Japan's support for improving maritime security in the region by providing patrol ships.

During the first visit to South Sudan by a Japanese Cabinet minister, Onodera is expected to inspect the activities of around 400 SDF personnel and the security situation, and hold talks with President Salva Kiir Mayardit, according to the sources.

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