PRESS RELEASE N0: JPNEMPAK 09-019

Islamabad: 30th September, 2009

Ambassador of Japan to Pakistan, Mr. Chihiro Atsumi and Mrs. Ikuko Atsumi hosted a reception on 30th September, 2009 to celebrate the 55th anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces Day. Air Marshal Hifazat Ullah Khan, HI (M), Vice Chief of Air Staff, was the chief guest on the occasion. COL. Eiji Oka, Defense Attaché, Embassy of Japan, represented the Japan Self-Defense Forces (JSDF). The reception was attended by parliamentarians, senior civil and military officials of the Government of Pakistan, members of diplomatic community and the other important dignitaries from the government and private sectors.

            JSDF Day is celebrated to commemorate the establishment of the Japan Defense Agency, which was upgraded to the Ministry of Defense in 2007, and inauguration of the Japan Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces on 1 July 1954.

            Japan’s contribution to peace building has been three fold: economic cooperation through its ODA program, personnel cooperation under the International Peace Cooperation Law, and intellectual contribution in the international arena. The Ministry of Defense and Self-Defense Forces will continue to not only defend the safety of Japan, but also contribute to the stability of the international community. (End)