JMSDF Conducts Offshore Training Cruise, Strengthening International Cooperation

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force (JMSDF) is conducting its Offshore Training Cruise (Internal) to equip junior officers with essential practical training and fostering international cooperation.

The commander of the JMSDF 1st Training Division, Captain Makoto Yanagihara, said the training division consists of JS Ariake and JS Hamagiri, Japan’s destroyer ships currently on a seven-week (Feb 14 to April 1) overseas training cruise with 100 newly commissioned officers who graduated from the JMSDF Officer Candidate School.

The training cruise aims to strengthen diplomatic engagements with partner nations and involves approximately 450 personnel on board, including trainees from the 58th General Officer Candidate Course (Internal Course). 

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As part of this initiative, JMSDF destroyers JS Ariake and JS Hamagiri made a port call at the Port Klang Cruise Terminal on Wednesday. 

The JMSDF ships were warmly received by the Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission at the Embassy of Japan in Malaysia, Karimata Atsushi. 

In his remarks, Karimata expressed gratitude to the officers of the RMN for their hospitality, highlighting the importance of regional security cooperation.

“As you all are aware, the security environment surrounding us, including the South China Sea, is becoming increasingly complex. 

“Close cooperation with ASEAN member states and other regional partners is indispensable to ensuring stability in the Indo-Pacific region, including the Strait of Malacca, which lies before us,” he said.

He reiterated that the government of Japan is committed to promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific (FOIP)" to uphold the rules-based international order,  facilitate the free and active movement of people and goods, and supporting economic activities in the region.

During their stay in Malaysia, trainee officers will have the opportunity to visit the RMN’s Lumut Naval Base, participate in various exchange programmes, and host a reception onboard during this port visit. 

“I sincerely hope that these interactions will further deepen mutual understanding between the JMSDF and the Royal Malaysian Navy and contribute to strengthening defence cooperation between Japan and Malaysia,” Karimata said.

Before arriving in Malaysia, the JMSDF ships made a port call in Manila, the Philippines on Feb 25, and following their visit to Port Klang, they are scheduled to proceed to Laem Chabang, Thailand, as part of their extended offshore training programme.

-- BERNAMA