21-6-2023 (HANOI) The Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force’s largest destroyer, Izumo, and accompanying destroyer JS Samidare arrived at Cam Ranh International Port in Vietnam’s south-central province of Khanh Hoa on Tuesday (June 20), marking the start of their visit to the country from June 20 to 23.
Colonel Nguyen Thai Hoc, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Region 4 High Command, presided over a welcoming ceremony for the Japanese destroyers. A delegation of 559 officers and sailors, led by Rear Admiral Nishiyama Takahiro, commander of the Izumo’s flotilla, is on board the vessels.
The visit of the destroyers to Vietnam is part of the activities planned to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Japan (September 21, 1973-2023). It aims to strengthen defence relations between the two countries and make a positive impact.
During their visit, the Commanding Group of the ships paid courtesy visits to the leaders of the Khanh Hoa provincial People’s Committee, Naval Region 4 Command, and the Naval Academy.
The Japanese side extended an invitation to a Vietnamese representative to visit the ships and organized a reception. They also coordinated with Navy Region 4 to arrange sports exchanges between soldiers from both countries.
The visit contributes to enhancing mutual understanding and coordination capabilities between Vietnam’s Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force. It actively consolidates and promotes the bilateral defence cooperation relationship between the two nations.
