Arab News Japan

MANAMA, Bahrain: OKAI Asako, Ambassador of Japan to Bahrain, and Vice Admiral OMACHI Katsushi, Commander in Chief of Self Defense Fleet, jointly hosted on Nov. 5 a commemorative reception aboard the Japanese Ship MURASAME to mark the 15th anniversary of Japan’s counter-piracy operations off the Coast of Somalia and in the Gulf of Aden.

The event highlighted Japan’s unwavering commitment to ensuring the safety and security of international maritime routes, which are vital for global trade and prosperity.

The reception was graced by the presence of distinguished guests, including: Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Commodore Osama Mubarak Al Hamdan, Deputy Commander of the Bahrain Royal Naval Force and Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of US NAVCENT, US Fifth Fleet and CMF

In her opening remarks, the Ambassador of Japan to Bahrain emphasized the significance of the milestone and the strong partnerships that have been instrumental in combating piracy and promoting stability in the region.

She said that over the past 15 years, Japan has deployed 74 vessels and 55 maritime patrol aircraft, escorting nearly 4,000 merchant vessels and ensuring the safe passage of countless others. These efforts have been supported by approximately 22,000 dedicated personnel.

Despite the recent decline in piracy incidents, the Ambassador highlighted the ongoing threat and the necessity for continued vigilance and international cooperation. She pointed out that the resurgence of a hijacking incident in 2023 serves as a stark reminder of the persistent threat.

The focus of military assets directed towards addressing the Houthi threat in the Red Sea has potentially increased the motivation for criminal organizations to resort to piracy as a means of revenue.

The Ambassador also expressed deep gratitude for the support of Bahrain. She highlighted the expanding engagements based on the memorandum of understanding on defense cooperation signed last year between Bahrain and Japan, which has led to visits by high-ranking delegations and two joint goodwill exercises off the coast of Bahrain this year.

The reception underscored the importance of the multinational cooperation within the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), which allows for a robust and coordinated response to piracy and security threats. This collaboration strengthens diplomatic and military ties among participating nations, enhancing overall regional security.

Guests at the reception enjoyed Japanese culinary delights prepared by on-board chefs, celebrating the shared achievements, and reaffirming their dedication to maintaining peace and security in the region.