SUBIC BAY FREEPORT -- President Rodrigo Duterte visited Sunday afternoon, June 4, the Japanese helicopter carrier JS Izumo (DDH-183) at the Alava Pier.
The vessel is part of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) Escort Flotilla One which is currently on a four-day goodwill visit in Subic Bay area. Also part of it is guided-missile destroyer JS Sazanami (DDG-113).
"The four-day visit seeks to enhance the already strong relationship between the Philippine Navy (PN) and JMSDF. It will also further sustain promotion of peace, stability, and maritime cooperation between the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie," the PN said in a statement.
"It will include a series of confidence building engagements between PN and JMSDF personnel such as shipboard tour aboard Japanese vessels, reciprocal receptions, goodwill games, and fun run," the PN added.
Rear Admiral Yoshihiro Goka heads Escort Flotilla One. It has 800 officer and enlisted crewmembers.
Goka said the visit was held, not only to receive supplies, but also to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
“I am sure that we could deepen the bilateral relationship [between our countries] and strengthen the ties between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Japanese Navy by conducting these events,” he remarked.
Moreover, Goka emphasized that since both countries are maritime states, pursuing open and stable seas based on the rule of law is necessary to ensure peace and stability in the region.
“Japan and the Republic of the Philippines share a number of issues in non-traditional security areas such as Maritime Security, and Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Response. In recent years, the bilateral cooperation has become deeper and stronger, since both Navies [PN and JMSDF] have been conducting bilateral exercises continuously and frequently,” he stressed.
“Based on the strong bilateral relationship in mutual trust, I will deepen the tie between our Navies. I am also looking forward to promoting regional peace and stability together with PN,” Goka ended.
The June 4 to 8 goodwill visit in Subic Bay is prelude to Escort Flotilla One’s participation in the Malabar Naval Exercise in India. (PIA-Central Luzon)