By Joyce Ann Rocamora | Philippine News Agency
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels JS Ise and JS Suzunami docked at Port Area in Manila on Saturday, June 21, for a goodwill visit, the Japanese Embassy in Manila said in a media release.
The port call is part of Japan’s Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025 (IPD25), an initiative aimed at promoting regional security and cooperation.
RAdm. Natsui Takashi, commander of JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four, said the port call is the third time for the JMSDF this year.
“The vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific is to aim to facilitate free and robust economic activity throughout the Indo-Pacific and to realize the prosperity in the entire region,” he said in a speech upon the ships’ arrival at Manila.
“The Indo-Pacific region, including Manila, is at the center of the world’s vitality, home to more than half of the world’s population. Realizing the stable and autonomous development is crucial for the stability and prosperity in the region,” he added.
Natsui said the Escort Flotilla Four, which departed Japan on June 14, will engage with like-minded partners for three months to help promote and realize a “free and open Indo-Pacific.”
Throughout the IPD25, the JMSDF vessels will conduct joint training exercises with naval forces across the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines and other countries that regularly operate in these waters.
On the way from Japan to Manila, the JMSDF invited 20 naval and maritime police officers from Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries on board JS ISE, where they carried out the Ship Rider Cooperation Program. The Philippine Navy received the naval officers in a disembarkation ceremony at the Manila port.
The Japanese Embassy said the engagements serve to enhance the tactical capabilities of the JMSDF, foster mutual understanding and trust among participating navies, and deepen multilateral defense cooperation.
“Such initiatives reflect Japan’s continued commitment to maintaining peace, stability and a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region,” it said. (PNA)
