TOKYO

Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is considering visiting the Middle East in mid-January 2020, informed sources told Jiji Press on Wednesday.

During the visit, Abe aims to explain Japan's plan to send Self-Defense Forces troops to waters off the Middle East to secure sea lane safety in the region, government and ruling camp officials said.

Abe hopes to highlight his country's contribution at a time a U.S.-led coalition will start its safeguarding activities in the Strait of Hormuz and other waters as early as January, the sources said.

The government plans to adopt the SDF dispatch plan at a cabinet meeting by year-end. It has begun coordination this week with the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling camp.

For the planned mission, the government is considering utilizing one of the P-3C patrol planes engaged in antipiracy operations in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. An SDF destroyer is expected to depart Japan for the upcoming mission early next year.

The one-year mission would be extended annually upon cabinet approval. The limit would be set because Komeito, the LDP's coalition partner, is cautious about an SDF dispatch to the Middle East, the sources said.

The destroyer to be used in the mission is expected to be a midsize vessel with some 200 crew members.

The government will not send an Aegis destroyer, as Japan needs to remain vigilant against missile launches by North Korea.

Defense Minister Taro Kono is also considering visiting the Middle East in year-end to seek support from friendly countries for the planned mission.

Jiji Press