On 15th November, the deployed Units of the Maritime Self-Defense Force of Japan for International Mine Countermeasures Exercise 2014 and stayed during the period of 15th to 17th November. It contributes to further development of friendship and goodwill between Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Royal Saudi Naval Forces (RSNF), and it also furnishes momentum to enhancement of bilateral relationship between Japan and KSA.
During the stay at the port, the representatives of the Unit made courtesy calls to commanders of Royal Saudi Naval Forces and Saudi officials and held friendly football matches. In addition to that, some events such as exhibition of the mine sweepers and tour inside them, and reception on board were also held.
Captain Keiji Yoshida, commander of the unit said: “we are very happy to receive heartfelt hospitality by the people of KSA, especially the Saudi ‘colleagues’ of RSNF”. Also he commented: “I expect that this goodwill visit will contribute to strengthening JMSDF-RSNF relations”.
This is third time for the Units of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to touch land to Dammam since the Units for International Mine Countermeasures Exercise made a call to Dammam for the first time in 2012. International Mine Countermeasures Exercises have been held every year since 2012 by US and Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force have participated every time.