Ambassador's remarks: 72nd Japan Self-Defense Forces Day Reception

 
His Excellency Raja Pervaiz Ashraf, Member of National Assembly and Former Prime Minister of Pakistan, 
His Excellency Khawaja Muhammad Asif, Federal Minister for Defense Pakistan, 
Excellencies, Military officials, Defense Attachés, and all those who have consistently contributed to promoting Japan-Pakistan relations: 
Assalam-o-alaikum and Good evening!

I am delighted to celebrate the 72nd anniversary of Japan Self-Defense Forces’ establishment in 1954. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to all the participants of this reception.

The strongest message I wish to share with you today is that the “history of Japan Self-Defense Forces is the very embodiment of ‘Japan’s will to seek peace.’”
The peace we seek is not of ‘silence’ but of ‘dialogue’, not ‘division’ but ‘cooperation’ and not one governed by ‘force’ but one underpinned by the ‘rules of law.’
After the World War II, Japan has consistently pursued the path of peace, driven by the firm resolution never to repeat the horrors of war. 
Lasting peace is the heartfelt wish of all the Japanese people as well as all the human beings. 
And it is Japan Self-Defense Forces that have safeguarded the peace on the front lines since 1954.

Japan Self-Defense Forces have consistently adhered to the policy of “exclusive defense”, guided by the noble principle of “pacifism”, enshrined in the Constitution of Japan. In addition to defending the nation’s territorial integrity and responding to disasters, they have fulfilled their responsibilities for the peace, stability and development of the international community across a wide range of fields, including international peace cooperation, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations.

Given the current international security situation, no country can ensure its security on its own. Japan will continue to uphold the principle of “pacifism” under the philosophy of ‘cooperative multilateralism’ and actively contribute to efforts to maintain peace and security in the UN centered international order.

In this context, I can state with confidence that Japan Self-Defense Forces continues to adhere to the policy of “exclusive defense” while steadily, diligently and quietly fulfilling the roles expected of them by the international community.

Ladies and gentlemen, 
Another message I wish to clearly state here today is that “protecting peace is not merely a matter of displaying military force, but of continuing to build bridges of dialogue.”
As a concrete example, I would like to express my deep respect for the extremely important role Pakistan has played in its recent efforts towards peace in the Middle East. Pakistan has taken the lead in dialogue aimed at easing regional tensions and has consistently strived to serve as an anchor of stability.

I am convinced that Pakistan’s exceptional diplomatic skill in transforming ‘dispute’ into ‘dialogue’, its indomitable spirit in overcoming the turbulent waves of the international situation time and again, and its unparalleled hospitality—treating everyone with the utmost respect and affection— deserve the highest recognition and praise from the international community.

It is all the same with the relationship between Japan and Pakistan. The defense authorities of both countries have fostered friendly relations over many years.
Historically, this includes educational exchanges such as, the acceptance of exchange students at the Fuji School under Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces, so-called Combined Arms School, a practice that has continued since 1982. 
More recently, following the floods in northwestern Pakistan in 2010, a helicopter unit of Japan Ground Self-Defense Forces airlifted relief supplies as part of Japan’s humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. In February last year, the participation of  Japan Maritime Self-Defense Forces’ escort ship “Murasame” also participated in the multinational naval exercise AMAN 25. 
These initiatives are a few examples of the steady development of cooperation between our two countries.

I am confident that this accumulation of defense cooperation, exchanges, and dialogue across such a wide range of fields will further strengthen the bond of trust between Japan and Pakistan in the future.

In closing, I hope that today’s reception will serve as an opportunity to deepen understanding of Japan Self-Defense Forces and to further develop the friendly relations between Japan and Pakistan. 
Japan Pakistan dosti jindabad!

Bohot shukuria!
Thank you very much!