Japan-New Zealand bilateral Fleet Commanders meeting in KAKADU 2024.

Commander in Chief, Self Defense Fleet, VADM OMACHI Katsushi had a meeting with Acting Maritime Component Commander, Royal New Zealand Navy, CAPT Shane Arndell, at the venue of KAKADU 2024. New Zealand is a maritime nation located in the Indo-Pacific and an important strategic cooperative partner that shares fundamental values with Japan.
The both commanders confirmed the importance of Japan, New Zealand, U.S. and Australia further deepen defense cooperation with Pacific Island countries and the protection of the Sea Line of Communication (SLOC) that support the economy of the Indo-Pacific region. They also agreed to further strengthen cooperation between the JMSDF and the RNZN through monitoring and surveillance activities against illicit maritime activities, including ship-to-ship transfers with North Korean-flagged vessels and multilateral exercises including the U.S. and Australia, and to build readiness for immediate response by the both fleets.
The Self-Defense Fleet maintains readiness and contributes to the peace and stability of the Indo-Pacific region and the defense of Japan, as well as the realization of a "Free and Open Indo-Pacific" in cooperation with allied and friendly navies.

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