The Reception on Board the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Minesweeper JS BUNGO
2025/3/24
The Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's minesweepers JS BUNGO and JS ETAJIMA made a port call in Seychelles under the Indo-Pacific and Middle East Deployment 2025 (IMED25). The reception on board JS BUNGO was attended by many dignitaries, including Vice President Ahmed AFIF, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre RADEGONDE, Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael ROSETTE.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sakuta stated that the port call is an important milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between Japan and Seychelles. Referring to Seychelles' assumption of the presidency of the Indian Ocean Commission last year and the chairmanship of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities in February this year, Ambassador Sakuta expressed gratitude to Seychelles for its contribution to the fight against illegal maritime activities. He also expressed appreciation for Seychelles' efforts to ensure regional maritime security through its collaboration with the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) and UNODC. He further stated that Japan will continue to strengthen its partnership with Seychelles and other relevant organisations to promote maritime security and stability in the region and to bolster marine safety capabilities.
Ambassador Sakuta emphasised Japan's contribution to counter-piracy efforts through its participation in the Combined Task Maritime Forces under the command of CTF 151, while highlighting our bilateral cooperation in counter-piracy efforts through the signing of the Memorandum between Japan and Seychelles in 2014 on the transfer of suspected pirates and seized property.
Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" for regional and global peace and prosperity.
In his remarks, Ambassador Sakuta stated that the port call is an important milestone in strengthening maritime security cooperation between Japan and Seychelles. Referring to Seychelles' assumption of the presidency of the Indian Ocean Commission last year and the chairmanship of the Contact Group on Illicit Maritime Activities in February this year, Ambassador Sakuta expressed gratitude to Seychelles for its contribution to the fight against illegal maritime activities. He also expressed appreciation for Seychelles' efforts to ensure regional maritime security through its collaboration with the Regional Coordination Operations Centre (RCOC) and UNODC. He further stated that Japan will continue to strengthen its partnership with Seychelles and other relevant organisations to promote maritime security and stability in the region and to bolster marine safety capabilities.
Ambassador Sakuta emphasised Japan's contribution to counter-piracy efforts through its participation in the Combined Task Maritime Forces under the command of CTF 151, while highlighting our bilateral cooperation in counter-piracy efforts through the signing of the Memorandum between Japan and Seychelles in 2014 on the transfer of suspected pirates and seized property.
Japan remains steadfast in its commitment to promoting a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" for regional and global peace and prosperity.
| National Anthems of Japan and Seychelles |
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Remarks by Minesweeper Division 3 Commander
CAPTAIN AMANO Shinsuke
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Remarks by Ambassador Sakuta, Makoto |
Remarks by Chief of Defence Forces
Major General Michael ROSETTE
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| "Kagami Wari" (Traditional Japanese Sake Barrel Opening Ceremony) |
From left, Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism Sylvestre RADEGONDE, Minesweeper Division 3 Commander CAPTAIN AMANO Shinsuke, Chief of Defence Forces Major General Michael ROSETTE, Vice President Ahmed AFIF, Ambassador Sakuta, Makoto |
| Kendo Demonstration |