Japan Coast Guard ship docks in city as part of global training

Chennai, Jul 7 (PTI) Japan Coast Guard Ship 'Itsukushima' arrived at the Chennai Port on Monday as part of its Global Ocean Voyage Training.

This visit was being coordinated by Headquarters, Coast Guard Region (East), headed by Inspector General Datwinder Singh Saini, a Coast Guard release here said.

"This visit underscores the deep and enduring bond between the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) and the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), further strengthening the strategic partnership in the vital Indo-Pacific region and enhance inter-operability between the two renowned maritime forces," it said.

On arrival at Chennai Port, the JCG Ship, commanded by Capt Naoki Mizoguchi, was given a ceremonial welcome in a traditional manner.

During the stay at Chennai in the ensuing week, JCG Ship Itsukushima will participate in a number of activities, including official calls, reciprocal visits on-board ships and cultural and professional interactions, it said.

Notable among the interactions will be the bilateral meet between ADG Donny Michael, TM, the Commander Coast Guard Eastern Seaboard and JCG delegates.

The bilateral events include a joint session of Yoga and will conclude on June 12. The ship's next Port of Call will be Singapore.

The visit of Japan Coast Guard ship was part of Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) signed between India and Japan in 2006 to promote interaction between the two Coast Guards, including high level visits, annual joint exercises, training exchanges and participation in short term workshops/seminars, it said. PTI SA SA KH