Canada and Japan sign Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement to strengthen military cooperation

News release

April 21, 2018 - Toronto, Ontario - Global Affairs Canada

Canada and Japan enjoy a robust relationship based on shared values, strong economic ties, common views on global issues and a mutual commitment to stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. We also share fundamental security interests, which form the basis of our longstanding peace and security cooperation.

Today, on the margins of the G7 Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the Honourable Chrystia Freeland, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Taro Kono, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, signed the bilateral Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA). This agreement will strengthen cooperation between the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and will allow both countries to make efficient use of each other’s military equipment during operations and exercises in Canada, Japan and other locations. 

The agreement will also advance cooperation between the two countries in response to humanitarian and disaster crises, peacekeeping initiatives, and allow greater collaboration with partners.

Quotes

“Stability in the Asia-Pacific region is essential to Canadian security and prosperity, and we consider Japan to be a key partner in this regard. The Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement signed today will allow Canada and Japan to further enhance our long-standing defence cooperation, in support of our common efforts toward regional and global peace and security.”

- Hon. Chrystia Freeland, P.C., M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Signing this agreement is a strong commitment to enhancing cooperation between the Canadian Armed Forces and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces by strengthening interoperability between our respective forces. As like-minded peace and security partners, the agreement further demonstrates our shared interest in working together on common priorities in the Asia-Pacific region and beyond.”

Harjit S. Sajjan, Defence Minister

Quick facts

  • Canada and Japan are partners in numerous international groups and organizations, including the G7, G20, Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum, Association of Southeast Asian Nations Regional Forum and World Trade Organization.

  • The ACSA will enable the CAF and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to exchange supplies and services, such as food, water, fuel, repair and maintenance services, spare parts and components, transportation, clothing, communications and medical services, use of facilities, training services, storage services, and airport and seaport services.

  • Canada has concluded similar agreements or arrangements with a number of countries, including Australia, South Korea, the United States and several of its NATO allies. Japan has similar arrangements with the United States, Australia and the United Kingdom.

  • The signing of this agreement aligns with the priorities of Canada’s Defence Policy: Strong, Secure, Engaged, which commits Canada to being a reliable player in the Asia-Pacific region through consistent engagement and strong partnerships. Canada considers Japan to be a key security partner in the Asia-Pacific region and continues to enhance the relationship between the CAF and the Japanese Self-Defense Forces.

  • The CAF participates in numerous military exercises throughout the Asia-Pacific region to strengthen its defence relationships with key regional partners.

Associated links

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Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs
Adam.Austen@international.gc.ca

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