Embassy of Japan in United States of America

　　Press Release

Statement by Japanese Minister for Foreign Affairs Machimura,

on the Adoption of the United Nations Security Council Resolution

on the Extension of the Mandate

of the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan

Embassy of Japan

September 21, 2007

Japan welcomes the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolution 1776, adopted on September 19 ( New York time), on the extension of the mandate of the ISAF (International Security Assistance Force) which has been deployed in Afghanistan .
UNSC Resolution 1776 appreciates the contributions of many countries to the OEF (Operation Enduring Freedom) - the MIO (Maritime Interception Operations). It also emphasizes the need for sustained international efforts including those of ISAF and the OEF coalition. The Government of Japan regards this resolution as positive evaluation given by the international community and the UNSC for international efforts including Japan ’s assistance for the MIO. The Government of Japan also considers it as a clear expression of the need to continuing these activities.
In response to the adoption of UNSC Resolution 1776, the Government of Japan believes that it is essential to maintain the supply activities provided by the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force for the OEF - MIO in order for Japan to be considered as a responsible member of the international community.

The full text of the U NSC Resolution 1776 is available at:

[Related links]

* Japan ’s International Counter-Terrorism Cooperation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

*Japan-Afghanistan Relations (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)

* Japan and the United Nation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs website)