Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise “Maru” hosted by New Zealand

September 3, 2008

The Government of Japan will participate in the Proliferation Security Initiative (PSI) Maritime Interdiction Exercise “Maru” to be held in Auckland, New Zealand, from September 12 (Fri) to 19 (Fri).
The Government of Japan will dispatch officials of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the National Police Agency, the Ministry of Finance (Japan Customs), the Japan Coast Guard, and the Ministry of Defense / Self-Defense Forces, as well as two P-3C Patrol Aircrafts of the Maritime Self-Defense Force, to take part in search and tracking exercise at sea, cargo inspection exercise at the port, and tabletop exercise.
PSI is an international effort to halt the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, missiles, and their related materials, which is a threat to the peace and stability of the international community, in a manner that is consistent with each country’s national legislation and relevant international law. Japan has been actively participating in the initiative since its inception.
The forthcoming Exercise will be the first PSI interdiction exercise to be hosted by New Zealand and has great significance for promoting the understanding about and support for the PSI in the Asia Pacific region. Japan would like to make its utmost contribution to the success of the forthcoming Exercise, making use of its experience including the PSI Maritime Interdiction Exercise “Pacific Shield 07” that Japan hosted last October.

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