Japan Seen Setting Up MSDF Supply Bases in Oman, UAE

Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--Japan is seen establishing supply bases in Oman and the United Arab Emirates for its Maritime Self-Defense Force mission in the Middle East, showing consideration for both the United States and Iran. The government is in the final stage of preparations to decide the places of the bases for the MSDF destroyer scheduled to start the information-gathering mission in late February, sources have said. The UAE is a participant in Operation Sentinel, the U.S.-led initiative to protect commercial vessels in Middle East waters. Meanwhile, Oman is the only Gulf Cooperation Council member with amicable relations with Iran. The UAE and Oman are close to the Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, where the MSDF will conduct the mission. The two countries were selected not only for the geographical reason but also because of "diplomatic consideration," a Japanese Foreign Ministry official said. The two were among the three Middle East countries Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited in his five-day trip that ended Wednesday. A purpose of the tour was to secure cooperation to establish supply bases for the mission. In the tour, Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan told Abe that the UAE will provide concrete assistance. Sayyid Asaad bin Tariq Al Said, Omani deputy prime minister and special representative for the sultan, voiced eagerness to cooperate. Abe "has laid the groundwork for securing supply bases through his visit," said a government official who accompanied the prime minister during the Middle East tour. The MSDF's Takanami destroyer is set to depart Japan on Feb. 2 for the mission. Toward the departure, Tokyo is discussing with the two Middle East countries so that the Port of Fujairah in the UAE and the Port of Salalah in Oman can be used as supply bases, sources said. China is increasing its influence over Oman with the massive funds it has extended as part of its Belt and Road infrastructure development initiative. Tokyo hopes to use the establishment of the supply base as an opportunity to strengthen its ties with Oman, in order to "drive a wedge in the China-Oman relationship," a Japanese government source said. END