Prof. TAKAHARA Akio delivered online lecture “Towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Its Vision, Significance and Practices in the Bay of Bengal” at National Defence College
2022/9/29
Professor TAKAHARA Akio, Graduate Schools for Law and Politics, University of Tokyo and Executive Director of JICA Ogata Sadako Research Institute for Peace and Development, made online lecture “Towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific: Its Vision, Significance and Practices in the Bay of Bengal” at the National Defence College on September 29th, 2022. This online lecture was jointly organized by the Embassy of Japan in Bangladesh and the National Defence College.
In his lecture, Professor TAKAHARA discussed the role Japan can play in facing new challenges in the world. In particular, in regard to the relationship with China, he noted that there are two aspects - security and economy-, and mentioned that Japan can respond to China by two-pronged approach: Competition and Cooperation.
Professor TAKAHARA then explained the vision of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, which realizes openness, transparency, inclusiveness and rule-based framework. In this context, he introduced various cooperative projects conducted by JICA to realize FOIP including maritime safety and security training program. He also pointed out that FOIP is not for countering the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”, rather they can be compatible particularly in the economic field.
At the beginning of the lecture, Mr. ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, made his remarks on the role of Bangladesh in the context of FOIP. Referring to various practical cooperation implemented by Japan and Bangladesh, Ambassador ITO expressed his hope to further promote bilateral cooperation including new areas such as defense sector to ensure peace and prosperity in the entire Indo-Pacific region.
Around 90 course members, including those from 17 countries attended the lecture and interacted with Professor TAKAHARA by exchanging opinions on the vision of FOIP and its implication for Bay of Bengal.
Professor TAKAHARA then explained the vision of “Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)”, which realizes openness, transparency, inclusiveness and rule-based framework. In this context, he introduced various cooperative projects conducted by JICA to realize FOIP including maritime safety and security training program. He also pointed out that FOIP is not for countering the “Belt and Road Initiative (BRI)”, rather they can be compatible particularly in the economic field.
At the beginning of the lecture, Mr. ITO Naoki, Ambassador of Japan to Bangladesh, made his remarks on the role of Bangladesh in the context of FOIP. Referring to various practical cooperation implemented by Japan and Bangladesh, Ambassador ITO expressed his hope to further promote bilateral cooperation including new areas such as defense sector to ensure peace and prosperity in the entire Indo-Pacific region.
Around 90 course members, including those from 17 countries attended the lecture and interacted with Professor TAKAHARA by exchanging opinions on the vision of FOIP and its implication for Bay of Bengal.