Visit by Japanese Coast Guard vessel to strengthen partnership between maritime enforcement agencies
THE Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) welcomed the arrival of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) Mizuho class patrol vessel to Port Klang Cruise Terminal (PKCT) on Monday (June 23) for a five-day strategic mission.
MMEA acting deputy director-general (Operations) Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah said the Mizuho class patrol vessel's visit will strengthen the longstanding strategic partnership between both maritime enforcement agencies.
Japan Coast Guard (JCG) patrol vessel Mizuho safely docked at Port Klang Cruise Terminal, while (third from left) MMEA acting deputy director-general (Operations) Rear Admiral Mohd Zawawi Abdullah speaks to Japanese ambassador to Malaysia, Shikata Noriyuki (fourth from left) and JCG deputy commander (Operations) vice admiral Kanosue Hiroaki while others look on. — KK SHAM/The Star
It also reflects JCG's confidence in MMEA's capabilities in enhancing maritime security cooperation amid increasingly complex regional challenges, he said.
'Both agencies will share experience and expertise as well as work towards a common goal in safeguarding regional waters from potential threats,' said Mohd Zawawi at the wharf of PKCT in Port Klang, Selangor.
The JCG delegation was led by deputy commander (Operations) Vice-Admiral Kanosue Hiroaki.
Japanese ambassador to Malaysia Shikata Noriyuki, who was also present, said the visit will further strengthen ties between the two maritime enforcement agencies, particularly in training, cooperation and technology sharing.
'Since 2006, the partnership between JCG and MMEA has played an important role in strengthening regional maritime enforcement capabilities,' he added.
Highlights included a long-range acoustic device drill and a joint exercise between Mizuho and MMEA's vessel KM Banggi in the waters off Selangor.
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