The Foreign Minister Linkevičius, who visited the deck of Kashima, hailed the long-term, stable and friendly ties between Japan and Lithuania.
“Lithuania and Japan established their diplomatic relations in 1922, nearly a century ago, and the natural partnership between our countries is based on their love of freedom and respect for common values: human rights, democracy, and international law. The values that unite us and other countries – the so-called “Arc of Democracy” – join also Japan and Lithuania, which are distant only geographically,” said the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
“A special place in our shared history is taken by the Japanese diplomat, the Righteous Among the Nations – Chiune Sugihara,” noted the Lithuanian Foreign Minister.
“The visit of the vessels of the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force to Lithuania is historic. This is a great event not only for Lithuania, but also for the whole of Europe,” said Linkevičius.
This is the first ever visit by the ships of the JMSDF Training Squadron and a crew of about 700 members to Lithuania. On 7-11 August, the three Japanese training ships are moored in the Klaipėda seaport after sailing seven seas. The JMSDF Training Squadron’s training deployment began at Yokosuka Naval Base on 20 May. The Training Squadron has already visited Pearl Harbor, San Diego, Panama, Jacksonville, Baltimore, Brest, and London. After a stay in Klaipėda, it will continue the journey to Rostock, Antwerp, Valletta, Djibouti, Mombasa, Colombo, and Manila, from where it will return to Japan on 4 November. The Training Squadron is commanded by the Rear Admiral Hidetoshi Iwasaki.
On 9-10 August, the three Japanese ships will be open to the public.
On 8 August, the Foreign Minister Linas Linkevičius also visited a children’s camp “Pasaka” in Giruliai and Karklė. About 20 Lithuanian children who live abroad are currently attending this camp.
