Category Archives: U.S-Indo Pacific

Japan’s Foreign Policy- in cooperation with the Mission of Japan to the European Union

Posted on by

Japan’s Foreign Policy- in cooperation with the Mission of Japan to the European Union, conducted by Editor in Chief

Mission of Japan to EU, we are very grateful for this occasion. Thank you very much indeed for accepting our invitation. 

Q 1: Japan has been one of the closest partners to European Union. Could you please give us an overall view of this partnership.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: The EU is an important partner for Japan, sharing fundamental values such as freedom, democracy, human rights, the rule of law, and respect for international law. As like-minded partners, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) and the Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA) are the foundation for cooperation between the two sides.

Please view the link for further information here. And also please see Free and Open Indo Pacific

In May 2021, Mr. SUGA Yoshihide, Prime Minister of Japan, held the 27th Japan-European Union (EU) Summit (virtual format) with H.E.Mr. Charles Michel, President of the European Council and H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen, President of the European Commission.

Japan-EU Summit 2021 Joint Statement: “We, the leaders of Japan and the European Union (EU), convened to take forward our close and comprehensive partnership, grounded in common interests and shared values of freedom, respect for human rights, democracy, the rule of law, free and fair trade, effective multilateralism and the rules-based international order. Two years after the start of their implementation, the Japan-EU Economic Partnership Agreement and Strategic Partnership Agreement are strengthening our ability to bring tangible benefits to our citizens.”  ©MOFA Japan/EU Council  May 2021 

Also European Union and Japan in that summit finalized an agreement on Japan-EU Green Alliance:  Towards a Green Alliance to protect our environment, stop climate change and achieve green growth.

Q 2: In February 2019 the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between Japan and EU has entered into effect. Please tell us what areas of trade this agreement covers.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: The EU and Japan’s Economic Partnership Agreement came into effect in February 2019. The facts are available from the links:

Japan and the EU hold an annual EPA Joint Committee meeting to assess progress made in the implementation of the agreement. At this year’s meeting in February 2021, 28 new protected Geographical Indications (GIs) were added to the list while wine and vehicle trade between the two sides will become even easier than before.

Q 3: Please specify what products are currently exported from Japan to EU and vice versa.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: Japanese exports to the EU are dominated by machinery, motor vehicles, chemicals, optical and medical instruments, and plastics while EU exports to Japan are dominated by these sectors as well as food and drink. You can find a comprehensive statistic trade report of the European Union, Trade in goods with Japan.

And see also the entire EPA and its chapters covering various sectors at: Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA)

Q 4: Japan and EU have also signed a Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA). Could you please tell us about the significance of this agreement.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: Please find the full SPA text here and the outline of the SPA under: Japan and EU Strategic Partnership Agreement (SPA).

Q 5: In the context of carbon emission. Japan has pledged to reduce the carbon emissions to net-zero by 2050.  What measures Japan is taking in order to reach this goal.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: In 2020, Prime Minister SUGA announced that Japan plans to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net-zero and to realize a carbon-neutral, decarbonized society by 2050. In that direction the “Green Growth Strategy towards 2050 Carbon Neutrality” a comprehensive set of policies and actions was created covering the areas and priority sectors in that regard. For comprehensive view please see the text of  “Overview of Japan’s Green Growth Strategy Through Achieving Carbon Neutrality in 2050”.

Q 6: The last question is about Japan and its humanitarian contributions. Could you please elaborate on the engagements of Japan in this filed.

Mission of Japan to the European Union: The Mission is currently publishing a series of tweets showcasing examples of Japan’s overseas development aid based on the latest government white paper on the topic which you can find in full here: 

And view the statement by Permanent Representative of Japan to UN Security Council Open Debate on Mine Action and Sustaining Peace April 2021.

Additional news: EU-Japan summit via video conference, 27 May 2021

The interview is subject to Copyright Law. ©Mission of Japan to EU/MOFA of Japan/ U.S. Europe World Affairs.

The National Day of Prayer in the United States 2017

Posted on by
Excerpt from President Trump’s speech on the National Day of Prayer  

Excerpt of the President’s speech at National Prayer Breakfast  in Washington DC, February 2, 2017

“Freedom is not a gift from government, but that Freedom is a gift from God” 

“But we are all united by our faith in our Creator and our firm knowledge that we are all equal in His eyes.  We are not just flesh and bone and blood.  We are human beings, with souls.  Our Republic was formed on the basis that freedom is not a gift from government, but that freedom is a gift from God.”

“It was the great Thomas Jefferson who said,  

 “The God who gave us life, gave us liberty.”  

Jefferson asked, “Can the liberties of a nation be secure when we have removed a conviction that these liberties are the gift of God?

Among those freedoms is the right to worship according to our own beliefs.  That is why I will get rid of, and totally destroy, the Johnson Amendment and allow our representatives of faith to speak freely and without fear of retribution.  I will do that — remember.”

“America will succeed as long as our most vulnerable citizens — and we have some that are so vulnerable — have a path to success.  And America will thrive as long as we continue to have faith in each other and faith in God.

That faith in God has inspired men and women to sacrifice for the needy, to deploy to wars overseas, and to lock arms at home, to ensure equal rights for every man, woman and child in our land.  It’s that faith that sent the pilgrims across the oceans, the pioneers across the plains, and the young people all across America to chase their dreams.  They are chasing their dreams.  We are going to bring those dreams back.  

As long as we have God, we are never, ever alone.  

Whether it’s the soldier on the night watch or the single parent on the night shift, God will always give us solace and strength and comfort.”

 “That’s why President Eisenhower and Senator Carlson had the wisdom to gather together 64 years ago to begin this truly great tradition.  But that’s not all they did together.  Let me tell you the rest of the story.  Just one year later, Senator Carlson was among the members of Congress to send to the President’s desk a joint resolution that added “under God” to our Pledge of Allegiance.

That’s a great thing. Because that’s what we are and that is what we will always be, and that is what our people want:  one beautiful nation, under God.”

 

Acknowledgments: Excerpts of President Trump’s speech on the National Day of Prayer May 2017 ©The White House. Image: President Donald Trump Inauguration January 20, 2017 @ Fox News. Article by Catherine S. Schmidt, Editor in Chief. 

The United States Navy in Operation Atalanta-1

Posted on by

Besides conducting a variety of missions like training, maneuvers, and joint exercises with its global partners, the U.S. Navy also actively supports the European Naval Force’s Operation Atalanta.

This partnership is a demonstration of the United States’ broad commitment to international maritime security and cooperation.  

It simultaneously ensures:

·         The protection of global commerce;

·         Enforcement of international law;

·         The security and stability of the international waters;

·         And the enhancement of maritime capabilities of its global partners.

 

ITS-Carabiniere-approaching-the-USNS-Laramie-for-RAS December 2015 EU NAVFOR

One of the U.S main vessels in supporting the Operation Atalanta is the USNS Laramie. Equipped with chopper deck, the gigantic U.S Naval ‘Laramie’ is a Military Sealift Command Replenishment Oiler of HENRY J. KAISER Class, launched in 1995.

Since then, the ship has been on long-haul missions across the globe. From the Pacific to the Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea to the Gulf of Aden, it has provided vital support to U.S. and European naval forces, including aircraft carriers, frigates, and patrol ships.

As a part of this ongoing Operational Support and the Replenishment at Sea, the USNS Laramie met in a close contact with the Operation Atalanta’s new Flagship, HNLMS Tromp  of the Royal Netherlands Navy on August 8th  2016, in the Atalanta’s Operational field, the Gulf of Aden.

The EU NAVFOR Operational Force Commander, Commodore Luyckx was welcomed for a visit by the Commanding Officer of U.S Naval Replenishment Vessel, Captain William Wiggins.

 

Follow us on the next episode:

The United States Navy in Operation Atalanta-2

 

Official references of the recent time:

  1. United States Navy Supply Ship Supports Operation Atalanta With A Combined Replenishment At Sea
  2. US Supply Ship USNS Laramie Supports Operation Atalanta off the Coast of Somalia
  3. US Navy Ship Supports EU Naval Force  Ships Off The Coast Of Somalia
  4. EU Naval Force Warship ESPS Infanta Cristina Carries out Replenishment at Sea with Supply Ship USNS Laramie
  5. EU Naval Force Warship ESPS Navarra has carried out Replenishment at sea (RAS) with re-supply tankers, including the US logistical ship USNS Laramie

 

Acknowledgments. Sources: U.S Navy, EUNAVFOR. Image-1 U.S Naval Replenishment Ship ‘USNS Laramie’ (center) off the Coast of Somalia,  supporting Operation Atalanta. December 17, 2015 © EU NAVFOR. Article by Editor in Chief, Catherine S. Schmidt (Copyrighted material) 

U.S National Armed Forces Day

Posted on by

US Marine Corps Ceremony Flag Sept. 2015

In honor of….. the World’s greatest Freedom Defender…,the thundering Forces of resounding Liberator…..the United States Armed Forces  

 

May 20, 2016 © DoD

The United States National Armed Forces Day is celebrate on every third Saturday of May, to honour the service and the dedication of Military personnel across the United States.

Recent Entries »