ID :
165863
Fri, 03/04/2011 - 14:42
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://www.oananews.org//node/165863
The shortlink copeid
Japan to send MSDF minesweeper for int'l medical aid program
TOKYO, March 4 Kyodo - The Defense Ministry said Friday it will dispatch a minesweeper and 30 to 40 medical officers of the Self-Defense Forces to a U.S. Navy-led annual medical aid program in the Asia-Pacific region in late May.
The ministry will also solicit about 30 staff from medical and disaster relief-related nongovernmental organizations to take part in the Pacific Partnership program.
Under the program, which has been held every year since 2007, people from more than 10 countries, including the United States and Australia, will offer medical assistance and implement cultural exchanges in East Timor and Micronesia this year.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force had been sending several medical officers for the program until former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama expanded the country's participation last year by dispatching a transport ship with NGO staff on board for the first time.
The ministry will also solicit about 30 staff from medical and disaster relief-related nongovernmental organizations to take part in the Pacific Partnership program.
Under the program, which has been held every year since 2007, people from more than 10 countries, including the United States and Australia, will offer medical assistance and implement cultural exchanges in East Timor and Micronesia this year.
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force had been sending several medical officers for the program until former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama expanded the country's participation last year by dispatching a transport ship with NGO staff on board for the first time.
