The Visit of H.E. His Excellency Mr.Rodrigo R.Duterte, President of the Republic of the Philippines, to the JMSDF escort ship "KAGA"
2018/9/4
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The JS KAGA, JS SUZUTSUKI and JS INAZUMA of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) Escort Flotilla Four, docked at the Subic port in the Philippines on September 1. Rear Admiral Fukuda, Escort Flotilla Four Commander, led the ships on their first overseas call. |
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President Rodrigo Duterte visited the JS KAGA on the day it arrived at Subic, becoming the first foreign head of state to climb aboard the escort ship, which is one of the largest vessel of the JMSDF.It was reminiscent of the President’s visit last year to the JS IZUMO, which is the same type of ship as JS KAGA, also as the first foreign head of state to do so. Parliamentary Vice Minister of Defense Ohno welcomed the Philippine leader on board. After being given arrival honors, President Duterte was taken on a more than one hour-long tour of the escort ship, including its medical facilities, led by Vice Minister Ohno and Rear Admiral Fukuda. President Duterte and Vice Minister Ohno engaged in a close exchange of views on the Japan-Philippines bilateral relations and other matters of common concern. |
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Vice Minister Ohno said it was an honor to have President Duterte visit the JMSDF escort ship for two successive years now, and that he would like to continue to deepen relations with the Philippines, a strategic partner of Japan that shares common values and goals. In return, President Duterte expressed his deep appreciation for the defense cooperation with Japan and that the Philippines would like to further strengthen such cooperation. |