One of Norway’s four frigates sailed into Tokyo last week, marking the first time a Norwegian naval vessel has visited Japan after an equally historic voyage though the Indo-Pacific region.
The KNM Roald Amundsen sailed under the Rainbow Bridge on its way into Tokyo, with shipyards and busy terminals in the background. PHOTO: Magnus J Horne/Forsvaret
The KNM Roald Amundsen has been part of the four-month-long “Operation Highmast,” led by the British Navy and including aircraft carriers that left both the UK and Norway just after the Easter holidays. The voyage is meant to show some NATO presence in Asia and not least around Taiwan, which remains under constant threat from China. It’s also aimed at building up more maritime experience among both Norwegian and British naval crews and closer cooperation among Japan, Great Britain and Norway.
Norwegian Defense Chief Eirik Kristoffersen and other Norwegian military leaders were also in Japan during the frigate’s port call, for bilateral meetings, seminars and other gatherings. Norwegian defense officials said Kristoffersen met his new Japanese counterpart, General Hiroaki Uchikura, and discussed cooperation between Japan and Norway, how it can be developed and what can be learned from the war in Ukraine.
NewsinEnglish.no staff
AloJapan.com