3 Japanese self defense ships visit Cambodia to promote ties

PHNOM PENH - Three Japanese maritime self-defense force vessels arrived at Cambodia's Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Friday for a four-day visit to strengthen bilateral ties between the navies of the two countries.

At the port, they were greeted by Governor of Preah Sihanouk Province Sboung Sarath and naval officials.

The three ships, named Kashima, Shirayuki and Isoyuki, are led by Rear Admiral Fumiyuki Kitagawa, commander of Japan Training Squadron, according to a news release from the Japanese Embassy in Cambodia.

They docked at the port on route of their training cruise in the open sea and various ports of the world.

"The objective of the visit is to strengthen friendship relations between Japan and Cambodia by commemorating the 60th anniversary of friendship between the two countries,"the press release said."It is also to give opportunities for about 180 cadet school graduates to learn about culture and military in Cambodia."