PAPE’ETE (Pacnews) — Commodore Yoji Koda, deputy commander of Japan’s navy, has called for more defense cooperation with the French navy in Tahiti, daily newspaper La Depeche de Tahiti reports.
During his visit to French Polynesia, Koda met with his French counterpart, vice admiral Amaury du Chéné, who commands the French navy in the Pacific.
Among issues discussed were more frequent courtesy calls from Japanese navy vessels into French Polynesia.
Du Chéné said the two forces were keen to strengthen ties and had discussed more regular exchanges of naval officers and even joint naval exercises.
The French commander said he would attend ceremonies marking the 50th anniversary of the Japanese navy’s return to operations after its defeat in World War II.
This will be in Japan, in October this year.
