The two Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels docked at Ream Naval Base on April 19 as part of a global goodwill cruise. Embassy of Japan
Two Japanese Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) vessels, the “Bungo” and “Etazima”, docked at Ream Naval Base today. They are the first foreign ships to call at the upgraded pier since it was modernised, with Chinese aid.
The Bungo and Etazima were dispatched to a mission to visit 11 countries, ranging from Africa, the Middle East to South and Southeast Asia, in January 2025.
“Now their port call has been made at Cambodia’s Ream Naval Base, which we, as the Embassy of Japan, consider a historically significant event for Japan-Cambodia relations,” said Miyoshi Asagi, Counsellor at the embassy of Japan.
She told The Post that the two JMSDF ships will dock at the Ream port until April 22.
“The journey of the two Japanese vessels underlines the importance of freedom of navigation, free and open international order based on international law, and its development,” she added.
In each of the countries they visit, crew conduct good-will exercises, exchange of views and other activities, which aim to deepen relations with their counterparts.
“We are certain that such initiative will benefit all the countries, including Japan and Cambodia, by enhancing trust and confidence among the people concerned. It will lead to securing peace and stability in the region and in the international community,” added Miyoshi.
She noted that Japan-Cambodia relations and defence cooperation has seen significant development significantly, thanks to Prime Minister Hun Manet’s commitment and willingness.
According to Miyoshi, the JMSDF had been carrying out regular port calls to Sihanoukville for the past three years.
“We are glad to witness a visit to the renovated Ream Naval Base. We are aware that the Royal Government of Cambodia is willing to open the base to all countries. We hope that this port call becomes an important step towards opening the port,” she said, adding that Japan will continue its cooperation and further strengthen ties between JMSDF and the Royal Cambodian Navy.
The modernized Ream Naval Base, which includes the Cambodia-China Joint Logistics and Training Center and an upgraded pier, was put into service on April 5. The Cambodian government announced that Japan would pay the first port call and shared its willingness to accept visits by the navies of other nations.
