Dispatch of Economic Cooperation Study Teams to Surrounding Countries (Djibouti and Yemen) in Connection with the Issue of Piracy off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden

April 14, 2009
Japanese

Japan will dispatch study teams consisting of officials and staff of the government, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and related bodies to examine the feasibility of extending economic cooperation through official development assistance (ODA) to the surrounding countries (the Republic of Djibouti and the Republic of Yemen) in connection with the issue of piracy off the coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.
With regard to Djibouti, a study team consisting of MOFA officials and JICA staff, is scheduled to visit from April 19 to 23. Its objective is to conduct a broad-based survey to study what kind of cooperation by Japan may be appropriate and feasible in order to promote Djibouti’s economic and social development and improve the country’s maritime security capabilities. It will be conducted in consideration of Djibouti’s role in the regional stability and its role as a main base for Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force and others in mounting anti-piracy operations.
With regard to Yemen, a study teams consisting of officials and staff from MOFA, the Japan Coast Guard, JICA, and related bodies will be on the ground from mid-April to the beginning of May. Its objective is to conduct a broad-based survey to study what kind of cooperation by Japan may be appropriate and feasible in order to improve Yemen’s maritime security capabilities and promote related economic and social development, in consideration of the country’s important geographic location facing the Gulf of Aden.

(END)