JAPAN, Wednesday, 09 November 2022 – The Royal Brunei Navy (RBN) delegation led by First Admiral Dato Seri Pahlawan Spry bin Haji Serudi @ Haji Seruji, Commander RBN attended the 18th West Pacific Naval Symposium (WPNS) held in Yokohama, Japan. This year’s participation by RBN in WPNS is made more significant by RBN’s inaugural deployment to Japan to join the International Fleet Review (IFR) 2022 held in Yokosuka to commemorate Japan Maritime Self Defence Force’s (JMSDF) 70th Anniversary.
His Excellency Fumio Kishida, Japan’s Prime Minister presided over the ceremonial inspection onboard JS IZUMO as the reviewing ship at the IFR 2022, consisting of KDB DARULEHSAN, along with 36 other ships from Japan, Australia, Bangladesh, Canada, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Pakistan, Singapore, Thailand, and the United Kingdom. Commander RBN was also present onboard the reviewing ship observing the IFR amongst other distinguished Chiefs of Navies and their representatives. Other activities in conjunction with the IFR included a Sea Phase exercise for Search and Rescue. Following that, whilst the ships are at the harbour, formal activities include a city parade, sports interactions and Open Ship Tours.
Following the IFR, the 18th WPNS was officiated on 7th November 2022 by Admiral Ryo Sakai, Chief of Staff, JMSDF at the Yokohama Royal Park Hotel. The 18th WPNS was held over 2 days from the 7th – the 8th of November 2022, where Chiefs of Navies in the Western Pacific congregated to discuss matters of mutual interest along the theme of “Free and Open Oceans Cooperative Efforts for Next Generation”.
On the sidelines of the 18th WPNS, Commander RBN also had the opportunity to conduct bilateral meetings with JMSDF’s Chief of Staff, Admiral Ryo Sakai, the Royal Thai Navy’s Commander-in-Chief, the Philippine Navy’s Acting Flag-Officer-in-Command, and the Republic of Singapore Navy Chief.
The WPNS is a biennial activity established in 1988 that brings together navies of the Western Pacific region in efforts to streamline cooperation and discuss matters of mutual benefits to address common challenges. The 19th WPNS will be hosted by the People’s Liberation Army – Navy (China).
The Royal Brunei Navy aligns with the objectives of the 18th WPNS and reaffirms its commitment to building, strengthening and maintaining relationships, as well as enhancing interoperability between all participants towards a peaceful and stable regional maritime domain.
