MUARA, Tuesday, 2 May 2023 – JS URAGA and JS AWAJI of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) departed Muara after a goodwill visit to Brunei Darussalam from 30 April to 02 May 2023 led by Captain Nakai Eiichi, Commander of Minesweeper Division 1. Their departure was accompanied by a farewell ceremony organised by the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) led by Commander Malek Fadillah bin Pehin Dato Haji Kefli, RBN, Acting Fleet Chief of Staff.
The JMSDF delegation consisting of Captain Nakai Eiichi, Commander of Minesweeper Division 1, Commander Matsunaga Akihito, Commanding Officer of JS URAGA, and Commander Takuma Taguchi, Commanding Officer of JS AWAJI, paid a courtesy call to Commander Nor Ariwwin bin Mohd Ali, Acting Fleet Commander RBN.
This Goodwill Visit featured a beach cleaning event held between JMSDF and RBN personnel at Muara Beach on 1st May 2023 as well as a curry lunch where personnel of both RBN and JMSDF had the opportunity to interact informally with each other.
Personnel from JS URAGA and JS AWAJI also had the opportunity to make a cultural visit around Brunei Darussalam where they were shown Bruneian hospitality and culture through visits to Brunei Energy Hub and Brunei Arts and Handicraft centre.
This series of interaction represents the cordial defence and security relations between both RBN and JMSDF established through years of engagement at sea and through multilateral events. The RBN reaffirms its commitment to strengthen its bilateral relations with JMSDF, enhancing interoperability towards the goal of cooperation at sea and wishes both JS URAGA and JS AWAJI a smooth journey to her next port of call.
