The four days stopover of the Japan Maritime Self Defence Force (JMSDF) carrier the Izumo, is part of Japan’s relationship with other maritime nations in the pacific to ensuring peace and prosperity in the region. The Commanding Officer of the JS Izumo, Captain Takemasa Jo, said that Japan being a maritime nation itself in the pacific has developed ties, called “Kizuna” in Japanese, with other maritime nations like Papua New Guinea (PNG), in the political and economic areas as well as in national security between countries for decades. “Such a special relationship can be constructed by sharing a common sense of value, virtue and experience between each other and we have shared many things between our countries through various interactions,” said the Captain of the Izumo. “These are everlasting values, for instance freedom of the seas and the rules based international order, which are indispensable to the citizens of the maritime nations in order to protect the beautiful and blessing seas of the pacific.” He also added that at the same time, the international situation is getting more complicated and uncertain in recent years. “Under these circumstances it is necessary to cooperate with the likeminded countries, which we can share prevailing values, customs and norms cultivated for decades in the global society.” He said the visitation of the vessel and crew to PNG is part of that tie or relationship. This recent visit follows the visits from JS Kirisame last year and the JS Makinami two years ago. “Also, the annual deployment shows that Japan thinks your country is a very important partner and vice versa, therefore, I believe it is very important to make our Kizuna across the Pacific stronger than before for our prosperity and stability in the region.” The JS Izumo arrived in Port Moresby yesterday, Friday 07th July and will be here for four days. The carrier is currently anchored off the coast facing the Ela Beach because it is too big to fit in the main wharf in Port Moresby.