 |
| Vessel 015 - Tran Hung Dao preparing to dock at Kure Port. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
Colonel Yanagihara, representing the Kure Naval Base – one of the largest bases of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force – presided over the welcoming ceremony for the delegation and crew of Vessel 015 at the pier. Also in attendance was Colonel Nguyen Thai Son, Vietnam's Defense Attaché in Japan.
In his welcoming speech, Colonel Yanagihara greeted the Vietnam People's Navy delegation and Vessel 015 to Japan. He expressed hope that through exchange activities during the visit, the friendly cooperative relationship between the naval forces of the two countries and the Vietnam-Japan relations would be further developed.
 |
| Representative of Kure Naval Base presents flowers to welcome the Head of the delegation and the Captain of Vessel 015. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
Colonel Nguyen Vinh Nam expressed his honour to lead the Vietnamese naval delegation and Vessel 015 to visit the beautiful city of Kure. He also noted that the journey faced many challenges due to the long voyage at sea under harsh weather conditions, but the officers and crew of Vessel 015 showed determination and safely arrived at Kure Port as planned.
The head of the delegation is confident that the visit will help the naval officers and sailors of both countries gain a deeper understanding of each other's countries, people, and cultures, serving as a bridge to strengthen the friendly cooperative relationship between Vietnam and Japan, as well as between the armed forces and navies of both nations.
This is the second time Vessel 015 - Tran Hung Dao has paid a courtesy visit to Japan and the first time visiting the Kure Naval Base.
The visit aims to concretize the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-Japan Defense Cooperation towards the next decade, signed by the defense ministries of the two countries in 2018. It aligns with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace and prosperity in Asia and the world, while also enhancing the friendly, trustworthy, and mutual understanding between the navies of the two countries.
Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, Japanese naval officers visited Vessel 015 and exchanged with the delegation.
Some images from the visit:
 |
| The delegation and crew of Vessel 015 salute the port. (Photo: Provided by the Navy) |
 |
| The delegation and crew of Vessel 015 salute the port. (Photo: Provided by the Navy) |
 |
| The commander of Vessel 015 directs the docking. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
 |
| The delegation from Vessel 015 disembarks to attend the welcoming ceremony. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
 |
| Representative of Kure Naval Base welcomes the delegation. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
 |
| Colonel Yanagihara delivers a welcome speech to the delegation and Vessel 015. (Photo: Courtesby the Navy) |
 |
| Colonel Nguyễn Vĩnh Nam speaks at the welcoming ceremony. (Photo: Provided by the Navy) |
 |
| The two delegations take a commemorative photo at the pier. (Photo: Provided by the Navy) |
 |
| Japanese naval officers visit Vessel 015 - Tran Hung Dao and exchange with the delegation. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
 |
| Japanese naval officers visit Vessel 015 - Tran Hung Dao and exchange with the delegation. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
 |
| Vessel 015 anchored at Kure Port. (Photo: Courtesy by the Navy) |
