AKP Phnom Penh, April 22, 2025 --

Two vessels from the Japanese Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) — Bungo (MST-464) and Etazima (MSO-306) — set sail from Ream Naval Base in Preah Sihanouk province this morning, concluding a four-day visit to Cambodia.

The ships, under the command of Captain Shinsuke Amano, Commander of Minesweeper Division 3, were bid farewell by Rear Admiral Nguon Oudom, Deputy Commander of Ream Naval Base, along with several other senior Cambodian naval officers.

Bungo and Etazima are the first foreign vessels to dock at Ream Naval Base since the official inauguration of its Phase 1 development on April 5, 2025 under the presidency of Samdech Moha Borvor Thipadei Hun Manet, Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Cambodia.

During their stay, the JMSDF delegation carried out a series of courtesy visits, meeting with the commander of Ream Naval Base, the deputy governor of Preah Sihanouk province, and other senior officials from the Ministry of National Defence. The visit also featured a friendly football match with Cambodian naval personnel, fostering bonds of friendship, solidarity, and mutual respect.

Speaking at the inauguration of Kampot International Tourism Port in Teuk Chhou district, Kampot province yesterday, Prime Minister Samdech Thipadei Hun Manet said that in the near future, Cambodia is expected to welcome naval vessels from Vietnam, Russia, India, and possibly the U.S. at the Ream Naval Base.

Article in Khmer by Ngou Somony
Article in English by C. Nika