Japanese squadron’s visit in PHL aims to strengthen bilateral ties

From Ang Malaya (Oct 15): Japanese squadron’s visit in PHL aims to strengthen bilateral ties

Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Training Squadron, consisting of Japanese Defense Ship Kashima (TV-3508), JDS Setoyuki (TV-3518), JDS Asagiri (DD-127), is in the Philippines for a 4-day goodwill visit. The squadron arrived in Manila port last Monday, October 13.

“I expect that through this interaction, the relationship of JMSDF and PN will be much closer,” Training Squadron Commander Rear Admiral Hideki Yuasa said.

JDS Kashima (TV-3508) is a training ship and the flagship of JMSDF training squadron. While the JDS Setoyuki (TV-3518) is a destroyer carrying an anti-submarine helicopter. JDS Asagiri (DD-127) is also a training vessel.

“Goodwill visits such as this aims to strengthen the bilateral relation with our foreign counterpart, specifically the Japanese Navy. This will also be a good venue in collaborating with the Japanese Navy in promoting peace and stability within the maritime region,” Philippine Navy Public Affairs Office Chief Lt. Cmdr Marineth R. Domingo said.

Japanese Embassy in Manila said, “JMSDF ships have visited Manila more than 50 times since 1966, making it one of the most frequent destinations for JMSDF’s training squadron and indicating the strong relations between the Philippine Navy and the JMDSF.”

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/10/15/5006-japanese-squadrons-visit-in-phl-aims-to-strengthen-bilateral-ties