Cambodian, Japanese naval senior officials meet to strengthen bilateral ties

                                 Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Fuchinoue (L) and Admiral Tea Vinh (R).

Japanese navy vessels have docked in Sihanoukville
Xinhua | 8 October 2012
By Agencies

Cambodian Royal Navy's Commander on Monday afternoon met with visiting Japanese Training Squadron Commander to discuss ways to strengthen and expand bilateral relations and cooperation between the two countries' naval forces.

Speaking at the meeting, Cambodian Admiral Tea Vinh said the visit of Japanese self defense ships to Cambodia was a good opportunity to promote bilateral ties in naval forces. Meanwhile, through Japanese Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Fuchinoue, he asked Japan to consider helping Cambodian Royal Navy in training and maritime defense materials.

"We need your assistance in any forms in order to strengthen our capacity in defending maritime space and we hope Japan will consider helping us," he said.

Fuchinoue said that it was his first visit to Cambodia. He pledged to help train Cambodian naval forces through organizing a joint goodwill exercise next year in order to bring closer ties for the two countries' forces and to build capacity for Cambodian forces in defending maritime space and fighting against pirates.

Fuchinoue led three Japanese self defense ships to visit Cambodia on Oct. 6-10. According to a press release from Japanese Embassy to Cambodia, the three ships named Kashima, Shimayuka and Matsuyuki.

The press release said that the ships' visit gives opportunities for 194 Japanese cadet school graduates to learn about culture and military as well as to strengthen friendship with Cambodia through various exchange programs.