THE Training Squadron (TS) of Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) arrived at the Kings Wharf in Suva today with 600 personnel on board the two naval ships – Kashima and Inazuma – with 200 newly-commissioned Japanese navy officers.
During the welcoming ceremony, Japanese Ambassador to Fiji Masahiro Omura said the visit by the training squadron was very timely and made an excellent contribution towards building closer relations between the two nations.
The squadron also participated in a cultural exchange at the Suva City Carnegie Library this afternoon.
A reception onboard the Kashima will be held at 5pm where the squadron will be giving out sporting equipment.
Tomorrow, the training squadron will take part in a mangrove planting exercise along the Queen Elizabeth Road, with some 200 mangroves expected to be planted.
They will also take part in a touch rugby game with the Republic of Fiji Military Forces (RFMF) and a baseball game organised by the Fiji Baseball Association.
