Maritime security: Japan ready to provide assistance
Published on: Friday, September 28, 2018
Sandakan: Japanese Foreign Minister Masahisa Sato said it is ready to provide assistance in technology and equipment to enhance capacity in strengthening maritime security in eastern Sabah, due to the close ties between Malaysia and Japan over the years. Masahisa and his delegation visited the Naval Base 2 HQ (Mawilla 2) here. He was welcomed by Marine Commander 2 (Pangvilla 2), Rear Admiral Dato Ganesh Navaratnam and officers. The delegation was briefed around the Sandakan Base Sandakan (TPS) jetty and visited the vessels docked at the TPS. In the session, Sato and Ganesh exchanged opinions and proposals aimed at maritime security in the Sulu and Sulawesi Sea, in the field of military and regional issues. ADVERTISEMENT He noted that the Trilateral Cooperative Arrangement (TCA), which worked between Malaysia-Indonesia-Philippines, has provided much good and confidence to the region, especially in maintaining maritime security in the Sulu Sea and Sulawesi. He also noted that due to the current developments in the South China Sea, they are considering alternative routes for Japanese trading vessels, especially those that carry oil from the middle east using the lateral Strait of Lombok to Sulawesi Sea, Sulu Sea and Makassar Sea before to Japan. They observed how this route was used by merchant ships carrying iron ore from Australia.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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This first visit by Mawilla 2 and Sandakan is also seen as opening a new chapter in international relations between Malaysia-Japan especially in Sabah. ADVERTISEMENT In addition to promoting military tourism, this visit also gives Sabah the opportunity, especially Sandakan to introduce the tourism products and advantages available in this district which can be highlighted in an effort to attract tourists from Japan to travel to Sandakan. - Winnie Kasmir