CINCSDF had a meeting with Minister of Defense, Kingdom of Bahrain Lieutenant General and Commander of Royal Bahrain Naval Force.

During his visit to Bahrain, Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, VADM SAITO Akira paid a courtesy call to the talked with Minister of Defense, Kingdom of Bahrain Lieutenant General Abdullah bin Hassan Al Nuaimi and Commander of Royal Bahrain Naval Force RADM Ahmed Mohammad Al Bin Ali.
VADM SAITO expressed appreciation for their support for port calls of JMSDF vessels to Bahrain in the Middle East region.
The Minister of Defense and both Fleet Commanders agreed to further the strong relationship that has been established between the Royal Bahrain Navy and the JMSDF, given that peace and stability in the Middle East region is extremely important for the peace and prosperity of the international community. They confirmed that the two countries will continue and strengthen various defense cooperation programs, such as the goodwill exercises recently conducted by reunited JS SAZANAMI for the first time with the Royal Bahrain Navy.
In addition, VADM SAITO and RADM Ali met again for the first time in 15 years. They attended the Naval Command College together at the U.S. Naval War College and renewed them friendship.
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 partner and like-minded navies.