The Hindu : National : Japanese Naval chief visits Southern Naval Command

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Saturday, Feb 18, 2006

National

National

Japanese Naval chief visits Southern Naval Command

Staff Reporter

KOCHI: A four-member delegation led by Admiral Takashi Saito, Chief of Staff of the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Forces, arrived at the Southern Naval Command here on Friday afternoon. This is the first time that the chief of the Japanese Navy is visiting the naval establishment here. Admiral Saito was accompanied by his wife Chizuko Saito. Addressing mediapersons at INS Garuda, the naval air station here, Admiral Saito said that India was progressing fast on the economic front. Just like Japan, India too was having renewed focus on protecting its maritime interests. "Both the countries are focusing on how best to ensure safety at sea. A major objective of the visit is to promote good relations between the two navies. Another aim of my visit is to get to know India better and see the huge country with one's eyes. The Chief of Naval Staff of India, Admiral Arun Prakash, who was my classmate at the Naval War College in the U.S., had visited Japan a few months back. My visit could also be mentioned as a courtesy visit," he said.

Admiral Saito was received at INS Garuda by Vice Admiral S.C.S. Bangara, Flag Officer Commanding in Chief of the Southern Naval Command. He was presented a 50-men guard of honour. Later, the delegation held a meeting with Vice Admiral Bangara.

Accompanied by Rear Admiral Rajender Singh, Chief of Staff of the Command, they also visited different professional training schools under the Command and also the Naval Aircraft Yard. The guests will depart from Kochi on Saturday.

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