Visits of Japanese Warships Boost PH, Japan Ties

Frequent visits of Japanese warships boost Philippine bilateral relations with Japan, a Philippine Navy official said Thursday.

PN Spokesperson Capt. Lued Lincuna said the Japanese destroyer, JS Setogiri (DD-156) is on a goodwill visit to the country from May 25 to 26. The ship is expected to dock at Pier 15, Manila South Harbor Friday.

The contingent will be headed by JMSDF Escort Division 7 head, Capt. Susumi Moriyama, and JS Setogiri skipper, Commander Tokeshi Tonegawa.

JS Setogiri is the fourth JMSDF ship to visit the Philippines in a span of five months, with JS Osumi being the third, and destroyer, JS Akizuki, the second and JS Amagiri the first.

“There is nothing unusual (in) their (JMSDF) frequent visit to our country. This is a regular port visit and we welcome navies that plan to visit us,” Lincuna said.

He added that the frequent calls of Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) ships enhance the country’s bilateral relations with Japan through naval diplomacy.

“It will further contribute to promote peace, security and stability in our maritime region,” Lincuna said. (PNA)