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| Teamwork: Capt Naruto Nishi presents a plaque to Lt-Col Peter Short. |
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THE distance between Japan and Australia seemed to diminish last month as officers from both nations celebrated the success of past joint operations in Iraq.
During a small dinner party in Canberra on February 21, COs from the Al Muthanna Task Group (AMTG) noted how well the nations worked together during Australia’s three security force tours which began in 2005.
Capt Naruto Nishi, of the Japanese Defence Attaché, acknowledged Australia for offering a protection force to the Japanese reconstruction group.
“The relationship between Japan and Australia is getting tighter,” Capt Nishi said during the dinner. “Thank you very much.”
He then presented a Japanese plaque and framed artwork to the three COs involved in the joint operations. Among them was Lt-Col Peter Short, who had commanded AMTG 2.
“To me this is further recognition of the close cooperation between the two defence forces,” Lt-Col Short said.
“It is one of many positive precursors to greater cooperation to come with both countries.”
And while the two nations still have very different cultures, he said soldiers from both countries shared a tenacious mind-set and solid work ethic. “Both contingents had a positive attitude and wanted to work together,” he said.
In the past, Australian and Japanese forces have worked in concert in places such as Cambodia and East Timor.
But Capt Nishi said the operations in Iraq saw the greatest amount of teamwork. And CA Lt-Gen Peter Leahy agreed.
He hosted the dinner party and said the two forces worked well together.
“Our soldiers are getting to know the Japanese soldiers,” Lt-Gen Leahy said.
“We grew to respect and appreciate their work.”
He also presented the three Japanese delegates with commemorative coins as a token of ADF’s appreciation.
“We recognise fellow professionals who are well-trained, well-equipped and well led,” he said. |
