Arab News Japan

TOKYO: Japan and Djibouti on Sunday signed and exchanged letters regarding the status of the Japanese Self-Defense Forces in the Republic of Djibouti.

Japanese Ambassador to Djibouti HARA Keiichi and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Djibouti, signed and exchanged the letters in the capital Djibouti City.

The letters relate to an agreement made in 2009 that secures the status of personnel working in Djibouti for anti-piracy operations. It enables the self-defense forces to carry out protective measures and transportation, as well as preparing temporary readiness in anticipation of such possibilities.

Japan says it intends to continue working to ensure the safety of Japanese nationals living overseas in the Middle East and Africa, with the understanding of the Djibouti government.