On Friday 27 February, during her port visit to Djibouti, EU Naval Force warship, ESPS Rayo, welcomed on board the commander of the Japanese Escort Division 2, Captain Masatoshi Kashihara, along with representatives from Japanese Warship, JS Harusame.

After refreshments in the Officers’ wardroom, the Japanese delegation was given a brief on the warship’s systems and functions. The brief was followed by a tour of the ship, which included the Bridge, Operations Room, the Engine Control Room and Flight Deck.

Prior to disembarking, Captain Kashihara and the rest of the Japanese Delegation joined ESPS Rayo’s crew in the hangar for the commemoration of the 478th anniversary of the Spanish Marine Corps.

Following the visit, representatives of ESPS Rayo were welcomed on board JS Harusame and were given a guided tour of the Japanese destroyer.

Meetings such as this help to strengthen cooperation and mutual understanding between different nations and naval forces that are conducting counter-piracy operations in the Horn of Africa.