Future Defense Exchange and Security Dialogue between Japan and GCC Countries

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Date	Friday, February 27, 2009
Location	The Henry L. Stimson Center 1111 19th Street, 12 Floor Washington, DC 20036

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For the last several years, JSDF operations in Indian Ocean and Iraq have dominated the discussion of Japan's security role in the world. However, when it comes to the activities in the Middle East, JSDF's operations in the region has a longer history - in fact, it is based on its activities during the 1990s in the Middle East and other parts of the world which enabled JSDF's operations in the post 9/11 world. In the years to come, JSDF eyes to enhance its relationship with the armed forces in the region, as a part of Japan's government-wide effort to strengthen its relationship with the Middle East.

This was the context of a roundtable discussion at the Stimson Center on Friday, February 27, 2009, featuring Colonel Hitoshi Ishikawa, Visiting Fellow/JASDF and former Defense Attaché in Kuwait.

Colonel Ishikawa focused his presentation on the unique role that Japan is able to play in the Gulf region, serving as both a model and a partner to countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). He noted that Japan is held up as an example in the region, demonstrating that it is possible to economically advance and modernize while still maintaining cultural traditions, something that many GCC countries are interested in learning more about. Furthermore, he noted that Japan historically has had no territorial or colonial disputes in the region, allowing it to be viewed favorably and without prejudice when undertaking activities in the Gulf.

Colonel Ishikawa pointed to some of the actions that the JSDF has already taken in the region, and how they have managed that experience to ensure that they continue to develop their positive image. For example, he explained the significant contribution that the JSDF has provided toward the Maritime Interdiction Operation in the Indian Ocean as part of Operation Enduring Freedom. In addition to military operations, he also highlighted some of the significant humanitarian operations that the JSDF has undertaken, particularly in Iraq, assisting with reconstruction, medical training, and other humanitarian initiatives through the "dual track" program with Official Development Assistance. Colonel Ishikawa noted that these activities have enabled Japan to further develop its favorable image with GCC countries, which may now be utilized to promote security modenization and mutual understanding in the region, whilst also strengthening Japan's alliance with the United States, and its relationship with NATO, behind the scenes.

The presentation concluded with some suggestions for future cooperation between Japan and the GCC. Colonel Ishikawa noted that JSDF officers already visit GCC countries therefore he suggested developing an exchange program that would allow both junior and senior military officials in GCC countries to tour Japan and observe JSDF training missions and operations, and attend purpose oriented briefings on certain topics. The outcome of such exchanges would allow for greater cooperation in mutual areas of concern in the region.

 

For further information, please email Yuki Tatsumi (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)).

Resources

Presentation Slides (6.7MB)

The views expressed by Colonel Hitoshi Ishikawa in the presentation are his own, and do not reflect the views of the Japan Self-Defense Force, Japan Ministry of Defense, or The Henry L. Stimson Center.