KUANTAN: Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF), JS Asagiri's (DD-151) port call here since Wednesday was aimed at strengthening relationship with the Royal Malaysian Navy.
Its commanding officer Commander Yuichi Haeno said there were plans to conduct joint-training programmes between both the defense forces including communication training, operational matters and tactical movements at sea.
He said before arriving here on Wednesday, the destroyer, which was commissioned in 1988, had completed a four-month anti-piracy mission in the Gulf of Aden.
"During our port call, we look forward to enhance bilateral ties between both countries and further strengthen relationship between our navies.
"This is our first time in Kuantan as previously we participated in the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace exhibition in March.
"The port call is also to help promote mutual understanding and trust with the Malaysian Navy and improve the tactical skills of the JMSDF. JS Asagiri has 200 personnel and officers along with seven supporting staffs," he told reporters when met at Kuantan Port today.
Haeno said last year, JMSDF's vessel JS Akebono was in Kuantan to promote mutual understanding and friendship.
The 137m long JS Asagiri has a displacement of 3,500 tonnes and capable of reaching speed of 30 knots.
Among its armaments were a 76mm rapid fire gun and anti-submarine rockets. It also carry a Sikorsky SH-60J(K) Seahawk helicopter.