• Japanese defence ship docks in Danang

They are the destroyers JS Hamagiru, JS Sawayuki and JS Asayuki, led by Colonel Tomoo Mizukami, commander of the Japanese Navy’s 15^th fleet of Escort Ships.

Colonel Mizukami and the ships’ officers paid courtesy visits to Haiphong’s authorities, and the Commanders of Military Zone 3 and the Vietnam Navy Force.

Admiral Tran Dinh Xuyen confirmed that the two navy forces’ reciprocal exchange of visits are a vivid manifestation of the fine development of friendship and cooperative relations between the peoples, armies and navy forces of Vietnam and Japan.

Colonel Mizukami expressed his belief that bilateral relations will further develop to meet the aspirations and interests of the two nations.

Japanese crewmembers played volleyball friendlies with local navy officers and staff, and visited the Vietnam Navy Museum.   

The Japanese vessels are scheduled to leave Haiphong on March 13.

This is the fifth time Japanese navy ships have visited Vietnam to promote friendship and mutual understanding between the two countries and their defence organisations.