Top �� What's up around the Prime Minister �� October, 2002

International Fleet Review Sunday, October 13, 2002

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Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended the International Fleet Review in Tokyo Bay off Harumi. As part of the events marking the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), it was the first time an international fleet review has been held, and in addition to 24 JMSDF vessels, ships from the United States, Republic of Korea (ROK), India, France, Australia, Malaysia, Russia, Chile, New Zealand, Thailand, Singapore took part in the review. Prime Minister Koizumi, going aboard the escort ship Shirane as an inspector, said in his address, "It is indeed a great honor for Japan to hold the International Fleet Review today with participation of 17 naval vessels from 11 counties." In addition, after touching on the emergence of the threat of international terrorism, shooting incident between ROK and North Korean patrol boats and the incident of suspected North Korean spy boats that appeared in waters southwest of Kyushu, the Prime Minister stated, "Under the situation, I am confident that promotion of exchange between defense authorities through the International Fleet Review contributes to peace and stability of the international society."