Msdf Head, Navy Chiefs From Pacific And Other Nations Discuss Maritime Security
The head of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and navy chiefs from countries in the Pacific and elsewhere are discussing maritime security in Yokohama City, near Tokyo.
The two-day Western Pacific Naval Symposium opened on Monday. Japan is chairing the biennial event this year.
Navy chiefs and other officials from about 30 countries, including the US, China and South Korea, are taking part.
Russia is a member of the symposium. But it was not invited due to its invasion of Ukraine.
This year's theme is free and open oceans.
In his opening address, MSDF Chief of Staff Sakai Ryo said the universal value of free and open oceans will be the key to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific.
He said close cooperation among countries is essential to pass on this key, and he hopes this year's symposium will be a bridge to a better future.
Participants are holding talks on what cooperative measures countries can take to make oceans free and open.
The MSDF says it wants to exchange views with many member countries to promote confidence and mutual understanding.