Dispatch of a Self-Defense Force Instructor to the South African National Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC)

TOKYO, Japan, March 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- 1. The Government of Japan recently decided to dispatch one member of the Japan Self-Defense Forces (Captain Hideki Hayashi) as an instructor for the “Peace Relief and Reconstruction Course,” which will take place at the South African National Peace Mission Training Centre (PMTC) from March 3 to 14.

2. Based on the recognition that peace is a prerequisite for development, Japan has been providing assistance to African peacekeeping operations (PKO) training centers with the goals of enhancing the peacekeeping capabilities of African countries and of maintaining the stability of the region. The dispatch of this instructor is also being undertaken as part of Japan's support for the PMTC. The Government of Japan continues to provide meaningful assistance towards peace and security in Africa not only on the financial front, but also by drawing upon Japan's qualified human resources.