Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, JMSDF, Vice Admiral SAITO Akira paid a courtesy visit to Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy and participated in Japan-U.S.-Philippines meeting.

On August 27, Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, Vice Admiral SAITO Akira and U.S. 7th Fleet Commander, Vice Admiral Karl Thomas paid a courtesy visit to Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy, Vice Admiral Toribio Adaci Jr. at Naval Station Jose Andrada, and had a conversation with Philippine Fleet Commander, Rear Admiral Renato David.
In the conversation, the three fleet commanders agreed to strengthen trilateral exercises and information sharing with the U.S, an ally of Japan and Philippines at the center, and to support capability development of the Philippine Navy.
VADM SAITO said, “Japan-U.S.-Philippine fleet commanders met for the first time and had a constructive exchange of views. The Self Defense Fleet will provide utmost support for the Philippine Navy’s capacity building in the fields they want improvement and strengthen defense cooperation among the three naval forces through inviting Philippine personnel to participate in JMSDF exercises as observers.”
In addition, VADM SAITO co-hosted a reception with H.E. Ambassador of Japan to the Philippines, KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko onboard JS IZUMO to deepen mutual understanding and friendship with participants from various countries.
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region, not only for the defense of Japan but also for the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" in cooperation with allied and like-minded navies.