Yuksuka, JAPAN – On the 18th june to 30th June 2024, Leutenant Junior Grade Abdul Aziz @ Muhammad Daud AlMuktafibillah Bin Hj Mohd Rafee of the Royal Brunei Navy joined onboard JS IZUMO of the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) for the 6th Japan-ASEAN, Pacific Island Countries, and Timor-Leste Ship Rider Cooperation Program (SRCP) 2024. The program, held from Guam, United States to Yokosuka, Japan, spanned 12 days which focused on a comprehensive range of maritime subjects.
Key components included seminars on maritime security, Humanitarian Aid and Disaster Relief (HADR), and Women, Peace, and Security (WPS). Participants also engaged in practical navy-related exercises such as navigation and warfare operations.
The objectives of the Ship Rides program are to facilitate the valuable exchange of ideas and foster talents to enhance leadership among future maritime security leaders, including the enhancement of defence cooperation between Japan- ASEAN, Timor Leste and The Pacific Island countries.
A total of 16 participants from various naval and maritime police forces participated in the program namely, The ASEAN countries,Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia,Indonesia, People Democratic Republic of Lao, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore , Vietnam, and Timor Leste. The Representatives from Pacific Island countries are Kiribati , Micronesia , Nauru , Palau, Papua New Guinea,Samoa and Tuvalu. This portrays a shared commitment to enhancing regional maritime cooperation and security. Royal Brunei Navy’s participation in this programme underscores the dedication to international maritime collaboration and defence diplomacy.
