Maritime Security Policy Division
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan June 19, 2009
Japan is very much concerned with the growing threat posed by piracy off the Coast of Somalia. Already today, the number of piracy incidents has surpassed that of last year. Situation is worsening day by day.
Japan has taken several actions to prevent Piracy off the Coast of Somalia in cooperation with international partners. Japan is committed to act to protect maritime security and work together with international partners to improve stability in Somalia and to build capacity in coastal states.
Japan has:
● actively participated in discussions in the Contact Group established in line with UN Security Council Resolution. Japan is committed to work together with members of the CG. Next CG meeting will be held in Sepember and Japan will serve as the chair.
● deployed two navy ships from the end of March this year, therefore joined international partners to enhance maritime security by navy patrols and navy escorting operations.
● made necessary arrangements to deploy two P-3C maritime patrol aircraft to the Gulf of Aden. These aircraft have started operations out of Djibouti since June 11.
● submitted the "Anti-Piracy Measures Bill" to the Diet. The Bill has been approved on June 19. The new legislation enables Japan's Self-Defence Forces to protect any ship from pirates regardless of their flag country.
● provided financial assistance worth $67 million to the Somali TFG for improvement of security, for the last two years through international organizations.
● submitted a Supplemental Budget this year worth ¥3.6 billion, to support AMISOM and implement projects in Somalia, as well as to help neigboring countries' capacity development efforts through the IMO(International Maritime Organization). This Supplemental Budget has already been approved. Japan's State Secretary of Foreign Affairs Ms. Hashimoto announced this at the Brussels Meeting held this April.
● sent survey/ODA missions to Yemen and Djibouti to analyze the feasibility of assistance to these countries. Japan believes that improving coastal countries capabilities for preventing piracy and armed robbery is crucial for the resolution of the piracy problem.
● worked closely with UN Security Council Members and like-minded countries in the UN to bring more stability in Somalia.
