A helicopter carrier and a guided-missile destroyer of the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force arrived Sunday on a four-day visit to the Philippines aimed at deepening relations between the two countries.
The 25,000-ton helicopter carrier Izumo and the 6,500-ton guided-missile destroyer Sazanami docked mid-morning at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Olongapo city, 125 kilometers northwest of Metro Manila.
“The visit will further enhance and sustain promotion of peace, stability and maritime cooperation between the two countries through naval diplomacy and camaraderie,” the Philippine Navy said in a statement.
It also said the commander of the Japanese ships, Rear Adm. Yoshihiro Goka, would pay a courtesy call on the commander of the Philippine fleet, Rear Adm. Gaudencio Collado Jr., during the visit.
Source: Asia Nikkei Image: Wikimedia
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