The 70th anniversary of Japan’s Self-Defense Forces was celebrated at a reception hosted by Japanese Ambassador Katsuma Takahiko in Ankara.
THE reception, held at the Embassy Residence, was attended by numerous ambassadors, military officials, and high-ranking figures, including Chief of General Staff Intelligence Lieutenant General İsmail Günaydın. Lieutenant General Günaydın extended his warm congratulations on Japan’s Self-Defense Forces Day, emphasizing its role in ensuring the prosperity and peace of the Japanese people. He remarked, “There are no other two nations that are so close, respect each other so much, and share so many commonalities, despite having different cultures, beliefs, and languages. Our relations, which reached the level of strategic partnership in 2013, continue to develop in all areas based on this historical and deep friendship. We are thrilled that our ship, Kınalı Ada of the Turkish Navy, recently visited Kure-Hiroshima Port in Japan as part of the 100th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries and the 132nd commemoration of the Ertuğrul Frigate Disaster. Elevating this deep-rooted and multidimensional Turkish-Japanese friendship to higher levels is crucial for strengthening our path forward.”
CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL PEACE
In his speech, Japanese Ambassador Katsuma Takahiko stated, “Japan will continue to contribute to the peace and security of the international community by significantly strengthening its defense capabilities, reinforcing the Japan-US alliance, and enhancing cooperation with other allies, particularly through QUAD, which includes Japan, the US, Australia, and India. Regarding the serious situations in Ukraine and Gaza, Japan will continue to actively demonstrate diplomatic efforts in close cooperation with relevant countries, including Türkiye.”
