Before I close, let me quickly mention about Japan's security relationship with Canada. As Japan continues to intensify its outreach beyond the Indo-Pacific, Tokyo's engagement with Ottawa is increasingly more important. To Japan, the more interest demonstrated by its out-of-the-area partners, including Canada, the better, as it is Japan's belief that such expression of interest in peace time, supported by the rule of law, will serve as a collective deterrence.
Moving forward, the further institutionalization of Japan-Canada bilateral secure relations that builds on the 2019 signing of the acquisition and cross-servicing agreement, including the conclusion of the general security of information agreement, will be of further benefit.
Especially as the Arctic sea opens up to navigation, Japan, as an observer to the Arctic Council, will look forward to co-operating with Canada to establish, for example, a code of conduct in this potentially extremely important strategic area.
I conclude my remarks.