Abe, Turnbull visit GSDF training ground near Tokyo

January 18, 2018

Funabashi, Chiba Pref.- Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Australian counterpart, Malcolm Turnbull, visited the Narashino training ground of the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force in Funabashi, Chiba Prefecture, east of Tokyo, on Thursday.

Their visit is aimed at deepening defense cooperation between Japan and Australia amid the recent regional geopolitical situation, including North Korea's nuclear and missile developments and China's maritime assertiveness.

Abe and Turnbull visited the Narashino training ground aboard a helicopter from the Defense Ministry in Tokyo.

At the training ground, the two leaders watched a drill by the Special Forces Group, the GSDF's counter-terrorism unit, and boarded an Australian-made Mine-Resistant Ambush Protected, or MRAP, armored transport vehicle.

They also received explanations about the ground-based Patriot Advanced Capability-3, or PAC-3, missile interception system.

Turnbull has been invited to attend a special meeting of Japan's National Security Council to be held at Abe's office later on Thursday.

Four years ago, then Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott participated in an NSC meeting.

Abe and Turnbull are also slated to hold talks on bilateral defense cooperation, including a proposed treaty intended to smooth the way for joint exercises and disaster responses between the SDF and the Australian Defence Force. Jiji Press