KOROR (Palau Horizon) — For the first time since World War II, two Japanese military vessels paid Palau a visit.
A welcoming ceremony was held as soon as Kikizuki docked at Malakal port while the vessel Yamayuki stayed offshore.
Kikizuki is a 3,250-ton and 136-meter ship while Yamayuki weighs 3,050 tons and is 130 meters long.
Aboard Kikizuki were 260 officials and crewmembers while Yamayuki had around 200 officers and crewmembers.
Kikizuki was opened for public viewing and a reception was later held on the ship with Palau dignitaries gracing the event.
The visit, according to Japan Charge d’Affaires Yoshio Koshio, will be repeated and could become an annual event.
President Tommy Remengesau the visit will further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.
With this, month three naval ships from Taiwan are also scheduled to visit Palau.
