Beefing Up Maritime Security in Djibouti

PM Abe’s visit to Djibouti was to commend Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force troops stationed there and strengthen ties and commitment to the campaign against piracy

Japan to beef up maritime security in Djibouti with more patrol ships

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s quick visit to Djibouti was not only to commend Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force troops stationed there but also to strengthen ties with the republic and further uphold its commitment on the campaign against piracy. He also urged to “promote international cooperation to strengthen measures to fight piracy.”

Abe told Djibouti President Ismail Omar Guelleh that Japan will provide more patrol ships to bolster maritime security in the region. “It is vital for Japan to protect waters in the region,” the prime minister declared. Besides Japan’s commercial ties with Africa, the northeastern region of the continent also sees the crude oil tanks transported from the Middle East to Japan. Abe also reminded the Maritime SDF troops deployed in Djibouti of Japan’s role as “it is essential for the international community to ensure peace, stability and prosperity.” The Japanese troops currently take base in the northern area of Djibouti-Ambouli International Airport and is the only permanent base of the SDF outside Japan.

Besides providing patrol vessels, Shinzo Abe made it known that Japan is also committed in supporting Djibouti in its endeavour to develop geothermal resources in the country. A group of Japanese experts will be sent in September to make evaluations. The patrol vessels Japan committed to provide will be added to the MSDF’s escort vessels and P-3C patrol aircrafts. More than 3,000 commercial vessels have been escorted by the MSDF since 2009. More than 1,000 surveillance flights have also been executed in the Gulf of Aden.

Source: RDP