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| Top Page ＞ The Japan Self Defense Forces’ vessels for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden made their first port of call to the Royal Malaysian naval base in Kota Kinabalu | ||||||||||
The Japan Self Defense Forces’ vessels for anti-piracy operations in the Gulf of Aden made their first port of call to the Royal Malaysian naval base in Kota Kinabalu |
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10 September 2014
On 7th-9th September, two Japanese
naval vessels, namely the "Inazuma" and "Umigiri", made a port of call
to the Royal Malaysian naval base in Kota Kinabalu for supplies and
recreation on their return voyage to Japan after completing a
four-month anti-piracy operation off the coast of Somalia and in the
Gulf of Aden. Head of State of Sabah Tuan Yang Terutama Tun Datuk Seri Panglima Dr. Haji Juhar Bin Datuk Haji Mahiruddin and Special Tasks Minister Yang Bhg. Datuk Teo Che Kang paid a courtesy call on the vessels at the naval base and both VIPs were warmly received by Captain Koji Tachikawa, commander of the Escort Division 8. During the stopover at the naval base, navy officers from both vessels enjoyed activities such as visits from Malaysian officers to the vessels, playing friendly football matches as well as attending a welcome reception hosted by Ambassador Miyagawa in Kota Kinabalu. Speaking at the reception, Ambassador Miyagawa expressed his gratitude to the Royal Malaysian Navy for welcoming the two vessels to the naval base for the first time in post war history. Ambassador Miyagawa went on to say that this visit was a historical event and would help to enhance ties between the two defense organizations and the two nations. Ambassador Miyagawa also added that robust economic growth in East Asia over a few decades see now somewhat possibly be marred by a looming apprehension in the seas within a stone’s throw from here, just off the coast of East Malaysia. Circumstances in the South China Sea now pose serious risks to the norms of freedom of navigation, commerce, communications and exchanges long entertained not only by nations in the region but by the whole world. Japan has deployed two Japan Self Defence Forces (JSDF) destroyers with Japan Coast Guard law enforcement officers on board since March 2009 in the fight against piracy off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden as part of the international effort to enhance maritime security through naval patrols and escort operations. As of 31st August 2014, Japan’s vessels have escorted 3,413 ships in 551 escort missions.
Ambassador Miyagawa making a speech at the welcoming reception |
