Sunday, March 22, 2009

National Defense Academy Graduation Ceremony

Prime Minister Taro Aso attended the graduation ceremony at the National Defense Academy located in Yokosuka City, Kanagawa Prefecture.

The number of students graduating from the National Defense Academy this year are: 445 students from the 53rd undergraduate class; 62 students from the 46th class of master courses of the Graduate School of Science and Engineering; 10 students from the 6th class of doctor courses of the Graduate School of Science and Engineering; and 20 students from the 11th class of the Graduate School of Security Studies.

In his address, Prime Minister Aso said, "As you are aware, the Asia-Pacific region is facing various issues, including the issues of North Korea's nuclear development and ballistic missiles. Japan's self-defense efforts, coupled with the further enhanced Japan-US alliance, play an extremely important role in securing Japan's peace and stability in such an international environment. The people's expectations of the Self-Defense Forces are becoming increasingly strong."

The Prime Minister also spoke about replenishment support activities in the Indian Ocean and measures to counter piracy off the coast of Somalia, saying, "It is no exaggeration to say that the personnel of the Self-Defense Forces are diplomats who assume an important role in Japan's foreign policy. As you embark upon your duty, never lose the global perspective that the defense of Japan and the peace and stability of the international community are two sides of the same coin."