Posted on 08/30/22
| News Source: i24
Defense Minister Benny Gantz at the signing of a “Memorandum for Defense Cooperation” at the Japanese Ministry of Defense:“Our countries share a common goal – defending our homes, and seeking peace and stability. Cooperation between Israel and Japan in developing technology and sharing knowledge, will enable us to achieve our common vision.”
Today (Tuesday, 30 August 2022). Minister of Defense Benny Gantz was welcomed to the Japanese Ministry of Defense by Minister Hamada with an honor’s guard ceremony, followed by a strategic dialogue between the parties. Upon completion of the meeting, the Ministers signed a “Memorandum of Defense Cooperation”, which will enable the respective countries to widen defense, strategic and military exchanges.
The Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum in the year commemorating the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Israel, and reiterated the opportunity to further promote defense cooperation between the countries.
At the onset of the dialogue, Minister Gantz expressed his condolences following the killing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Excerpts from the Minister’s remarks: “In Israel, our troops serve in the “Israeli Defense Forces – IDF” – because our mission is to defend our people. Minister, our countries share this common goal – defending our homes, seeking peace and stability. Cooperation between Israel and Japan in developing technology and sharing knowledge, will enable us to achieve our common vision.”
He added: “Global stability is threatened by Iran’s nuclear program and malign activities. I have just returned from a visit to our close, shared ally – the United States, where I discussed the nuclear agreement with Iran. This threat requires a united international front led by the U.S.”
Please find his full remarks attached.
Today, Minister Gantz concludes his official visit to Japan. The Minister met with senior officials in the Japanese government including Chief Cabinet Secretary MATSUNO Hirokazu, National Security Advisor AKIBA Takeo, and Minister of Foreign Affairs HAYASHI Yoshimasa. Minister Gantz also held a meeting with U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emmanuel.
The Minister was joined on his visit by Chief of Staff to the Minister of Defense Maayan Israeli, MOD Director General (res.) Amir Eshel, Military Secretary BG. Yaki Dolf, and Defense Attache to Japan Alon Yehoshua.