Last Friday, the Japanese landing ship JS Kunisaki, bringing 400 crew members from Japan, Australia and the USA, docked at Da Nang’s Tien Sa Port as part of the 2014 Pacific Partnership programme. 

The visiting delegation consists of the Japanese Ambassador to Viet Nam, Mr Hiroshi Fukada, the captain of the ship and the programme’s Deputy Commander, Col Yoichi Matsui, the programme’s Commander, Col Brian K Shipman, and the programme’s Chief, Lt Col John Cronnin.  They were warmly welcomed by representatives from the city’s leaders, military forces, and relevant departments and agencies.

The Japanese landing ship JS Kunisaki

A press conference to introduce details of the visit and the Pacific Partnership programme was held after the welcoming ceremony.

The visit to Da Nang will last until 15 June and will focus on sharing experiences and professional skills in military health.  Many workshops, featuring a range of topics such as emergency aid, medical treatment for burns victims, and issues relating to paediatric heart diseases, are taking place at the Da Nang General, the Orthopaedics and Rehabilitation, and the Military C17 hospitals.  In addition, the ship’s crew members will be involved in repairing and upgrading the Hoa Quy Medical Station and the city’s Orphan Care Centre. 

On Friday afternoon, some representatives from the ship paid a courtesy visit to the municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman, Mr Phung Tan Viet. 

Vice Chairman Viet thanked the Japanese, Australian and the US governments for expressing their opposition to China’s illegal act of placing the Haiyang Shiyou-981 drilling rig in Viet Nam’s exclusive economic zone on the continental shelf.  He said he would like them to continue their pressure and demand that China withdraws its drilling rig from Viet Nam's territorial waters.

Vice Chairman Viet and the visiting guests

On behalf of the visiting guests, Col Yoichi Matsui said that he was greatly honoured to take part in the Pacific Partnership programme.  He remarked that the programme would enhance exchange activities in health issues, the construction of facilities, culture and sports, and other aspects.