The relationship between Papua New Guinea (PNG) and Japan has always been an important one with both nations enjoying trade and people to people relations and military assistance, especially for PNG. Japan’s Ambassador to PNG H.E Nobuyuki Watanabe, when speaking recently at the welcoming ceremony of the visiting Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF) flagship JS Izumo, said that both countries have developed a very important and good relationship as nations in the pacific and that relationship has been beneficial for both nations over the years. “In particular, since Papua New Guinea gained independence in 1975, we have deepened our cooperation and people to people exchange in a wide range of field, including infrastructure, fisheries, forestry, mining, education and health,” said the ambassador. He added that more recently, exchanges in the security field have been rapidly extended. Among many of the examples are the capacity assistance to the Papua New Guinea Defense Force (PNGDF) band and the technical training program for PNG military engineers, which was launched just last year (2022). Meanwhile, he said the visit of the JS Izumo is not only an embodiment of the strong tie Japan and PNG has, but also a great milestone for the future development of exchange between the two countries in a wide range of fields.