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Palau Koror – The Japan Coast Guard Academy training ship Kojima arrived in Palau this week as the final stop on a three-month international training cruise. The ship, carrying 42 trainees and 44 crew members, is scheduled to return to Japan for decommissioning, making this a historic visit.
Palau Foreign Minister Gustave Etalo said Kojima means “small island” and the visit, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Japan and Palau, highlights the close relationship between the two countries.
At a dinner aboard the Kojima on Wednesday, Japan’s ambassador to Palau, Hiroyuki Orikasa, stressed the strong relationship between the two countries, calling them “like brothers” who work together on international issues and promote a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Ambassador Orikasa noted Palau’s strategic location and potential security threats. He reiterated Japan’s commitment to working with Palau to ensure regional prosperity and uphold the rules-based international order. Kojima’s visit underscored this commitment, especially in the area of maritime security.
The Kojima left Japan three months ago for a training cruise. Before arriving in Palau, the ship stopped in San Francisco, Hawaii and Guam. The ship will complete the training and return to Japan in July.
A dinner aboard the Kojima promoted cultural exchange, as Palau officials, including the governor, school principals and community members, enjoyed food, drinks and performances with the Japanese cadets and crew.
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