THREE Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force Ships (JMSDF) arrived in Jeddah on a good-will visit to the Kingdom last week. Both Japanese and the Saudi Navy officers said the visit marked the beginning of new historical ties between the two countries. Speaking at a reception on board the Japanese training ship ‘Kashima' at Jeddah Islamic Port, Rear Admiral Masao Kawamura, JMSDF Commander, said: “The training squadron, comprising three ships - JS Kashima (TV-3508), JS Shimayuki (TV-3513) and JS Yuugiri (DD-153) – is staffed with approximately 720 officers, which include 170 newly commissioned officers. Our overseas training programs are to train at sea the newly commissioned officers, cultivate their minds as future leaders, and enhance mutual understanding and goodwill with the host countries.” The Navy ships will visit 13 countries, which include Saudi Arabia, Singapore, India, Bahrain, Abu Dhabi, Muscat, Turkey, Romania, Greece, Pakistan, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. The ships set sail on April 15 on the goodwill mission that will end on Sept. 8. The event was attended by various diplomats, Saudi Navy officers and members of the press. Italian Consul General Adriano Maria Santacesaria, who was present at the occasion, said “It is an exciting experience for me. Such goodwill visits provide a platform for interaction between the Navy officers of two countries enabling them to exchange their experiences.” Also looking forward to the benefits of the visit were Saudi Navy officers, who said the Japanese squadron's visit provided them with an opportunity to learn more about the Japanese Navy and their traditions. The visit is the Japanese Navy ships' first ever to the Kingdom.
