TWO Japanese destroyers arrived on Tuesday for a two-day goodwill, as Japan and the Philippines continue to strengthen their defense cooperation amid their separate territorial dispute with China.
The visit of the two Japanese warships was the first since Manila won its maritime claims against Beijing, which was supported by Tokyo and other regional allies of the country.
Capt. Lued Lincuna, director of the Naval Public Affairs Office, said Murasame-class destroyer Japanese Ship (JS) Yuudachi (DD 103) and Asagiri-class destroyer JS Yuugiri (DD 153) docked at the Pier 15, Manila South Harbor at around 8 a.m.
The destroyers, which operate under Escort Division 7 of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF), will stay until today.
Japan and the Philippines have strengthened their defense and security cooperation over the years through regular visits of Japanese ships in Manila and the signing of various defense agreements with Tokyo.
Japan, other than agreeing to cooperate with Manila in the “defense of islands,” has even agreed to lease five maritime planes to the Philippines for its patrol of maritime waters, including the West Philippine Sea.
Lincuna said the Navy’s flagship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (FF16), accorded honors to the two Japanese destroyers as they sailed toward the pier in Manila. “This meeting procedure is an internationally observed naval tradition where the host ship meets the visiting ships and escorts them to their port of call,” Lincuna said.
“The visit aims to continue enhancing the already strong relationship between the Philippine Navy and the JMSDF. It is a demonstration of fostering commitment to the cooperation between the two nations, which benefits regional peace and stability,” he also said.
JMSDF officials, headed by the division commander Capt. Takashi Inoue, were scheduled to pay a courtesy call to Vice Adm. Caesar Taccad, Navy flag officer in command.
“A series of confidence building activities between the visiting navy and their Filipino counterparts will be undertaken, such as shipboard tour on board the Japanese ships and reciprocal receptions,” Lincuna said.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/2016/08/30/japanese-destroyers-on-2-day-visit/
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