Japan’s training squadron to visit Phl

MANILA, Philippines - The training squadron of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) will make a goodwill visit to the Philippines next week, the Japanese embassy announced yesterday.

The embassy said the squadron’s three vessels – JS Kashima, JS Setoyuki and Asagiri – will dock at the South Harbor in Manila from Oct. 13 to 16.

The ships have around 730 crewmen, under the command of Hideki Yuasa.

During the visit, Yuasa will meet with Philippine officials and lay a wreath at the Rizal monument. The ships’ officers and crew will attend a sport exchange program and a concert.

JMSDF ships have visited Manila 50 times since 1966, making it among the most frequent destinations for the squadron and indicating strong relations between the Philippine Navy and the JMDSF.

Japan has allied with the Philippines over maritime disputes in the South and East China Sea, where both countries are in dispute with China.

Philippine and Japanese legislators signed last month a Joint Document for Cooperation on Promotion of the Rule of Law at Sea.

The document reaffirmed the countries’ partnership and common values, and their common goal to resolve the maritime dispute with China under international law.