Embassy marked 64th anniversary of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces

Ambassador HE Takashi Ashiki hosts reception

 By Mujahid Iqbal, Managing Editor, Contemporary Japan Magazine and Daily Insaf staff

KUWAIT CITY, Sept 6; Ambassador of Japan to the State of Kuwait, HE Takashi Ashiki hosted a reception to mark the sixty-fourth anniversary of the establishment of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces at the Japanese Residence which was attended by Brigadier General Adel Al-Hafez, representatives from the Kuwaiti government, members of the diplomatic corps and other guests.

The Japanese Defense Attache, Colonel Arima, shared that the occasion coincided with the 10th anniversary of the pullout of Japan’s Air Self-Defense Forces (JASDF) advance unit that used to station at Ali Al Salem Airbase. He informed that the unit had contributed with others from the international community in an operation undertaking the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq. During its five-year mission, the unit could operate three C130 transport aircraft transporting more than 46,000 personnel and sending over 670 tones of air cargo into Iraq.

“Our forces during that time, with the help of our allies and friends, spared no effort to accomplish the mission of the reconstruction and rehabilitation of Iraq, a mission that would not have been completed successfully unless Kuwait had offered the support and assistance”, he stated.

Colonel Arima expressed his deepest appreciation to HH the Amir of Kuwait, Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Jaber Al Sabah, the Supreme Commander of Kuwait’s Armed Forces, and to the Kuwaiti government and people. “I am filled with hopes for a brighter future for both countries and our relations will be further strengthened especially in the defense field.”

He also commended the reinstating of military service in Kuwait, “It has been a year since the Kuwait National Assembly passed a law to reinstate Kuwait Military Service, and it is my great pleasure to congratulate and wish all recruits every success.”

He ended his address by thanking the Kuwaiti people for their warm welcome of him and his family and the hospitality extended to them.

Photos by Saeed Ahmad from the reception held at Japanese ambassador’s residence