Manila: The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels JS Ise and JS Suzunami docked at Port Area in Manila on Saturday for a goodwill visit, the Japanese Embassy in Manila announced. The port call is part of Japan's Indo-Pacific Deployment 2025 (IPD25), an initiative aimed at promoting regional security and cooperation.

According to Philippines News Agency, RADM Natsui Takashi, commander of JMSDF Escort Flotilla Four, stated that this marks the third port call for the JMSDF this year. "The vision of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific is to aim to facilitate free and robust economic activity throughout the Indo-Pacific and to realize the prosperity in the entire region," he remarked during a speech upon the ships' arrival. He emphasized the strategic importance of the Indo-Pacific region, noting that it is home to more than half of the world's population and is central to global vitality.

Natsui further explained that the Escort Flotilla Four, which departed Japan on June 14, will engage with like-minded partners over a three-month period to help promote and realize a 'free and open Indo-Pacific.' Throughout IPD25, the JMSDF vessels will conduct joint training exercises with naval forces across the Indo-Pacific region, including the Philippines and other nations that regularly operate in these waters.

In a significant move to strengthen regional ties, the JMSDF invited 20 naval and maritime police officers from Southeast Asian and Pacific Island countries on board JS Ise for the Ship Rider Cooperation Program during their journey from Japan to Manila. The officers were formally received by the Philippine Navy in a disembarkation ceremony at the Manila port.

The Japanese Embassy highlighted that these engagements aim to enhance the tactical capabilities of the JMSDF, foster mutual understanding and trust among the participating navies, and deepen multilateral defense cooperation. "Such initiatives reflect Japan's continued commitment to maintaining peace, stability, and a rules-based maritime order in the Indo-Pacific region," the Embassy concluded.