On Thursday morning, Japanese destroyers JS Kirisame (DD104) and JS Asayuki (DD132) of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) docked at the Tien Sa Port to begin a 4-day friendship visit to Da Nang.

In the afternoon of the same day, municipal People’s Committee Vice Chairman Phung Tan Viet hosted a reception for a group of naval officers from the ships, led by Colonel Sugimoto Masaharu, Commander of the JMSDF’s Frigate Fleet No 12.

Japanese destroyers JS Kirisame (DD104) and JS Asayuki (DD132)

Colonel Masaharu thanked the city leader for his warm welcome, and said he hoped that the bilateral cooperation between Japanese and Vietnamese naval forces, as well as Viet Nam and Japan as a whole, would be further deepened.

In reply, Vice Chairman Viet expressed his delight at the fruitful cooperation with Japan’s localities over recent years, and spoke highly of the active contributions made by Japanese businesses operating in Da Nang to the city’s progress.  He also took the opportunity to express deep gratitude to the Japanese government for providing ODA capital for local projects.

Colonel Masaharu (left) and Vice Chairman Viet

Vice Chairman Viet also said he would like the Japanese officers and sailors to advertise the city’s image to citizens and businesses when they return to their homes.  In addition, he asked the JMSDF to provide more equipment, and share experience in sea training and search and rescue with the Vietnamese naval forces in the future.  He also stated that the local authorities would create the most favourable conditions for the Japanese guests to enjoy a happy time during their 4-day stay in the city.  400 Japanese officers and sailors from the 2 ships are scheduled to join those from the Viet Nam People's Navy for friendly training at sea during their stay.  They will all participate in cultural and sporting exchange activities.