3 Japanese self defense ships arrive in Cambodia

Three Japanese maritime self defense force ships docked at Cambodia's Sihanoukville Autonomous Port on Saturday morning for a 5-day visit to promote ties and exchange experience between two countries' naval forces.

The ships were greeted by Cambodian Rear Admiral Ros Veasna, deputy commander of Ream Naval base in Preah Sihanouk province.

According to a press release from Japanese Embassy to Cambodia, the 3 ships, named Kashima, Shimayuka and Matsuyuki, are led by Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Fuchinoue, commander of Japan Training Squadron.

"The visit is to strengthen friendship relations between the two nations," the press release said. "It will also give opportunities for 194 Japanese cadet school graduates to learn about culture and military as well as to strengthen friendship with Cambodia through various exchange programs."

During the stay in Cambodia, Rear Admiral Fuchinoue plans to visit Phnom Penh to pay courtesy call on Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister Tea Banh and commander of Cambodian Royal Navy Tea Vinh on October 8, it added.-China Org. (October 07, 2012)