Naval ship visit boosts Japan-PNG ties

National
Japanese maritime self-defence officers giving a tour to the Japanese ambassador to Papua New Guinea Nobuyuki Watanabe (left), PNG Defence Force deputy commander Commodore Philip Polewara and officers.
– Nationalpic by KENNEDY BANI

By CRETILDA ALOKAKA
THE Japanese Kirisame naval ship’s visit to Papua New Guinea on Monday was to promote and strengthen naval ties between the countries, an official says.
Japanese ambassador to PNG, Nobuyuki Watanabe, said the two countries had maintained good relations close to half a century and the visit was another way of strengthening the ties between the countries’ defence forces.
“For five decades, the relationship between the two countries has resulted in political and economic dialogues on agriculture, welfare, and many other areas,” he said.
Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force commanding officer Sakata Atsushi said the formal bond between PNG and Japan had been established in 1975 but the connection began during World War II when locals helped 200 wounded Japanese soldiers.
“After we overcame the tragedy of war, we have been keeping strong ties and partnership with each other,” he said.
“This is perhaps the first time for Kirisame to come to Port Moresby.” PNGDF deputy commander Commodore Philip Polewara said naval capability was an important component of any maritime country as it provided for free sea commerce, border protection and national defence as well as for emergency response.
He added that the visit by the Kirisame had bolstered Papua New Guinea’s confidence that there was someone looking out for them. The Kirisame arrived in Port Moresby on Sunday and left yesterday.