【Global Governance】2010.5.26 (Wed) Mr. Takizaki of Gaimusho Explains Japan`s Security Policy and Support for Peace Building in Post-Conflict Countries
Mr. Shigeki Takizaki, Director of the National Security Division and the Office for International Peace Cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs delivered a lecture on 26 May at Hosei University. He explained the exclusive defensive nature of Japanese defense forces and the role played by the Japan-US security structure. Japan`s commitment to the international community is carried out through bilateral diplomacy with the neighboring countries, multilateral security dialogues, arms control, disarmament, non-proliferation of nuclear weapons and contribution to international peacebuilding efforts. According to Mr. Takizaki, peacebuilding consisted of consolidation of peace and nation building. Japan`s initiatives in peacebuilding included participation in UN peacekeeping operations and multilateral forces, expansion of ODA activities, intellectual contribution on human security, respect for local ownership, leadership at UN Security Council and Peacebuilding Commission, training of peacebuilders from Asia and Japan, and support to PKO centres in Africa and Malaysia. Mr. Takizaki referred to a special session held by the Security Council under the chairmanship of Foreign Minister Okada on 16 April to debate on how to strengthen the peacebuilding activities, by quoting what Foreign Minsiter Okada said, “Creating a long-lasting peace requires sustained cooperation between a post-conflict country and the international community…Japan will continue to participate actively in the efforts towards achieving sustainable peace in post-conflict countries.(Rena Kondo)