The Australian reports that Japan’s Self Defense Forces might be taking part in a peaceful aid mission in the Solomon Islands:
As a result of the increased intimacy between Australia and Japan, both in strategic co-operation and aid co-ordination to the South Pacific, Japan has offered to send personnel to assist with the Regional Assistance Mission to Solomon Islands.
In an interview with The Weekend Australian, Kevin Rudd hailed the Japan-Australia partnership.
“Japan is already a strong partner for Australia, not only in foreign policy but in development assistance in East Asia and the South Pacific,” the Prime Minister said.
Mr Rudd said his Government was committed to increasing strategic co-operation between Australia and Japan.
On Thursday in the Solomon Islands, Foreign Minister Stephen Smith revealed that Japan had offered assistance to RAMSI. Mr Smith warmly welcomed Japan’s assistance.
“From a general point of view, Australia very much encourages Japanese engagement in the Pacific,” Mr Smith said.
