On September 12, 2017, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe attended the welcome reception for the Coast Guard Global Summit held at Akasaka Palace State Guest House.

In his address, the Prime Minister said,

“Welcome to Japan. I want to offer my heartfelt welcome to you all. I understand that this meeting is the first of its kind and aims to bring together the heads of coast guard agencies from around the world. As the prime minister of the host country, I would like to say what a great honor it is to host this extremely significant meeting.

Since ancient times, people have found hope in what lies beyond the free, vast expanse of seas, sent ships, and established maritime trade. In Japan, too, its missions of the times have overcome the stormy seas, leading to interactions with other countries and the development of our culture. Throughout our history, our predecessors have built connections based upon hardships by way of the seas, deepened exchanges with other countries, and laid the foundation for the development and prosperity of humankind.

Turning our attention to modern times, we are witnessing significant changes in the natural environment, including the increasing scale of natural disasters due to climate change. The international situation is also undergoing dramatic changes, with terrorism and extremism becoming global threats. Due to these global changes the threats and dangers we face are increasing all around the world. Our invaluable seas are not an exception.

Everyone here today are heads of coast guard agencies who play active roles at the front lines on ocean matters. You have helped find solutions to various situations up to now, and moving forward, you will continue to face many issues in today’s seas that are home to growing instability.  It is precisely in such times that it is critically important for us to connect with each other across regions and over the seas, deepen our exchanges, and join forces to find solutions to difficult issues in order to realize peaceful and stable seas.

I am confident that during this summit, you will reach a shared understanding on common values such as the free seas, and that strong unity will be established among the coast guard agencies. I have no doubt that when you return to your countries and run up against difficult issues over your respective seas, the common values and strong unity will become a motivating force, acting as a lighthouse that will guide you through the darkness.

The word ‘sea’ is represented by a single Chinese character in Japanese. This Chinese character contains the Chinese character for ‘mother.’ Many countries refer to the sea that has fostered many lifeforms as ‘mother sea.’ I believe this is no coincidence.

We must fulfill the noble mission of protecting free seas that we have inherited from our predecessors for the future generations. Just as ‘mother sea’ has fostered many lifeforms, we, through our own efforts, must foster many personnel who will work across national borders and lead the way forward on maritime security in the future. In addition, we and our colleagues in various countries need to unite to carry out this mission. I expect that this summit will provide momentum for doing this.

I hope that the peace and prosperity of the seas will continue to be protected with your active efforts.”