Dispatch of Self-Defense Forces to Middle East Cabinet decision based on summit meeting with Iran on 20th December 6:33
Regarding the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East region, the government communicated Japan's position to continue its diplomatic efforts at the summit meeting between Prime Minister Abe and Iran's President Rouhani on the 20th, and carefully explained the purpose of the dispatch. In addition, the policy is to make a cabinet decision next week.
To send the Self-Defense Forces to the Middle East, the Liberal Democratic Party and the Komei Party sent a escort ship and patrol aircraft at a party meeting on the 17th, and reported to the Diet when extending the activity period. I accepted the decision.
Under such circumstances, the government announced that Prime Minister Abe and Iran's President Rouhani, who will visit Japan, will hold a summit on the 20th, and as a part of diplomatic efforts to ease tensions and stabilize the situation in the Middle East, Clarified that we would like to exchange opinions.
Prime Minister Abe wants to convey Japan's position to continue diplomatic efforts at a meeting with President Rouhani, and to explain carefully the purpose of dispatching the Self-Defense Forces as a unique initiative of Japan. The policy is that the Cabinet will decide to dispatch the Self-Defense Forces next week.
In response, the Maritime Self-Defense Forces escort ship made necessary preparations such as loading equipment and crew training. After leaving the port in the second half of next month and arriving at the site for about one month, Based on Djibouti, we plan to start full-scale activities together with P3C patrol aircraft, which is a countermeasure against piracy.