Japanese Navy Vessels “Bungo” and “Etazima” Call At Ream Naval Base

BeritaPatriot-Japanese Navy Vessels “Bungo” and “Etazima” Call At Ream Naval Base, After calling at Sihanoukville port for the last three years, two of Japan’s warships docked at the newly-renovated Ream Naval Base, which courted controversy for its connection with China. Regardless, the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia views the port call as a historically significant event for Japan and Cambodia’s relations

Two of Japan’s warships, Bungo and Etazima, dispatched by the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF), made a port call at the recently-renovated Ream Naval Base off the Gulf of Thailand on April 19.

The embassy said the JMSDF had carried out port calls in Sihanoukville for the last three years, and were “glad to witness the vessels’ visit to the Ream Naval Base this time”.

Japanese warships Bungo and Etazima make a port call at the newly-renovated Ream Naval Base off the Gulf of Thailand on April 19. Supplied
Japanese warships Bungo and Etazima make a port call at the newly-renovated Ream Naval Base off the Gulf of Thailand on April 19. Supplied

Cambodia has repeatedly denied reports of a “clandestine deal” with China to station its forces at the base, and stated that it is open to hosting military vessels from other countries, Reuters wrote.

BACA JUGA : Polres Jakbar Tangkap 47 Remaja Diduga Hendak Tawuran, Celurit-Sinte Disita

In a statement on Saturday, the Japanese embassy stressed that they are “aware of the government’s willingness to make the base open to all the countries”. “Therefore, we hope that the port call by JMSDF this time becomes an important step towards it,” the embassy said.

“What is important is that we will continue our cooperation and further strengthen the ties between JMSDF and the Royal Cambodian Navy.”

The Japanese vessels, which charted its way to 11 countries in Africa, the Middle East, South and Southeast Asia since January this year, showed the importance of freedom of navigation, free and open international order based on international law, and its development.

The JMSDF team conducted good-will exercises, and exchanged views in the countries the vessels visited, noting that they would “surely deepen the relation with the counterparts”, the embassy shared.

BACA JUGA : 3 Cara Jadi Kaya yang Sederhana & Terbukti 

CREDIT : Sangeetha Amarthalingam