PHNOM PENH: The Japanese Navy destroyer JS Kirisame docked at the Sihanoukville Autonomous Port (PAS) on 28 March 2023, where it will remain for three days as it trains new active duty officers for missions at sea. The JS Kirisame is 151 meters long, 17.4 meters wide, 9 meters deep, and weighs 4,550 tons. It can reach speeds of 30 knots (56 kilometers) per hour. The ship has a total crew of 170.

Deputy Chief of Staff of the Royal Cambodian Navy, Commodore In Sokhemara, welcomed a delegation of the JS Kirisame, led by the Japanese Navy Captain Takayuki Maki. During the three-day official visit there will be a training session between the Royal Cambodian Navy and the Japanese Navy in addition to a tour of the Japanese naval ship.

Captain Takayuki Maki also paid a visit to the Governor of Sihanoukville, Kuoch Chamroeun, to thank him for facilitating the docking of the Japanese ship and to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the two countries’ solidarity, friendship and diplomatic ties.

Governor Kuoch Chamroeun also noted that March of last year marked the 30th anniversary of the first Japanese naval operation in Cambodia in which two naval ships docked at Sihanoukville and was attended by Prime Minister Hun Sen.

The governor said that Sihanoukville’s deep-sea port is an integral part of the development of his province. Cambodia has Japan‘s financial support for the port through the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Stakeholders have been building and expanding the deep-water port, following the procedures of steps 1 and 2 of the agreed-upon labor calendar which is to be completed in 2025. In continuing on to step 3 of the development plan, the governor foresees further success for Cambodia’s economy.