Ambassador Kikuta’s Remarks for the Japan Sefl-Defense Forces Day Reception

 
Major General Dato Paduka Seri Haji Muhammad Haszaimi bin Bol Hassan, Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, and Yang Mulia Datin Ummisyafinah binti Haji Zaini,
Members of the Ministry of Defence of Brunei Darussalam and the Royal Brunei Armed Forces, Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
A very good evening to you all. It is my greatest honour and privilege to welcome you tonight.
 
The Japan Self-Defense Forces, the JSDF was established on 1 July 1954, marking its 72nd anniversary this year. Following it, the Japan Self-Defense Forces Day was introduced in 1966 to mark the establishment of the JSDF, and today we have the very first reception of it here in Brunei Darussalam. I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Major General Dato Haszaimi as the Guest of Honour and all of our distinguished guests for joining us to share this historic milestone.
Over the decades, under the Constitution of Japan, the JSDF has steadfastly adhered to its exclusively defence-oriented policy as its core guideline.
 
On this occasion, I would like to explain a bit about JSDF Day. While the JSDF was founded on 1 July, its official day of commemoration is designated on a different date, 1 November. I can see the question mark on your faces: “Why?” It is because of the fact that the JSDF’s primary mission includes not only defence against attack from outside but also relief operations in case of natural disasters. In Japan, the period from July to October is a season highly prone to typhoons and heavy rains. Therefore, JSDF Day was designated on 1 November, allowing the JSDF to concentrate its operations to save lives of the people from natural disasters in busy season. This thoughtful timing of the commemoration symbolizes the unwavering commitment and profound sense of duty of the JSDF toward humanitarian assistance and disaster relief.
 
Ladies and gentlemen,
Today, defence cooperation between Japan and Brunei Darussalam is embarking upon a new era. In March this year, the dispatch of our very first Resident Defence Attaché, Lieutenant Commander HASEGAWA Takeshi, to our Embassy marked a new page in the history of our bilateral relations. The appointment of our Defence Attaché stands as a clear testament to the profound importance Japan attaches to Brunei Darussalam.
In addition, it is precisely because of his arrival that we are able to hold this memorable reception for the first time tonight.
 
Furthermore, I understand that in December last year, Lieutenant Colonel Suzana binti Haji Antin, Defence Attaché of Brunei Darussalam to the Republic of the Philippines, was concurrently accredited to Japan. The establishment of these bilateral defence channels beautifully symbolizes a "new starting point" for our defence cooperation.
 
Japan deeply values its partnership with ASEAN as well. Located at the crossroads of the Indian and Pacific Oceans, ASEAN serves as the indispensable cornerstone of regional cooperation. Japan has consistently supported ASEAN Centrality and Unity with unwavering commitment. We firmly believe that working closely and aligning our efforts with ASEAN is a key to creating a resilient, stable and prosperous security environment across the entire region. Under the "Vientiane Vision 2.0," which is Japan's defence cooperation initiative with ASEAN, we place deep value on "heart-to-heart cooperation" and will continue to actively promote practical cooperation in this region.
 
In such a crucial ASEAN context, Brunei Darussalam, situated at its geographical heart and bearing the official title of "Abode of Peace," plays a vital role in maintaining peace and stability in the region. Brunei Darussalam is indeed an invaluable partner, both for ASEAN and for Japan.
 
Since the signing of the Memorandum on Defence Cooperation and Exchanges in 2023, Japan and Brunei Darussalam have steadily consolidated our practical cooperation through frameworks such as the "Defence Policy Dialogue". In addition, diverse avenues of people-to-people exchange, including goodwill exercises during port calls by JSDF vessels, “the Japan-ASEAN Ship Rider Program”, “the Japan-ASEAN Women, Peace and Security Cooperation Project”, and “the Japan-ASEAN Cyber Security Cooperation Project”, have laid a solid foundation for deepening mutual trust and promoting mutual understanding between our two nations.
 
In closing, I would like to reiterate my deepest appreciation to everyone gathered here tonight for your warm camaraderie and generous friendship.
 
Excellencies, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, please enjoy sushi and other delicacies and have a wonderful time of warm conversation.
 
Thank you for your kind attention. Terima kasih.