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Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg Arrive in Kure, Japan

October 20, 2022 – Tokyo

Embassy of Canada to Japan

Canada is deeply committed to strengthening partnerships with Japan to promote peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula and to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific that is inclusive, sustainable, resilient and based on the rule-of-law. In support of this, the Canadian Armed Forces have committed multifaceted, enduring and sustainable deployments to the region, including Japan.

From October 21, 2022 Canadian Ships (HMCS) Vancouver and Winnipeg will conduct a port visit to Kure, Japan, as part of Canada’s defence engagements in the Indo-Pacific this fall. The ships and aircraft will remain in the region until November 2022, supporting both Operation (Op) PROJECTION and Op NEON.

During the port visit in Kure, Canadian Armed Forces members will engage with local counterparts and stakeholders to promote collaboration and friendship, including a media tour. The comprehensive program includes a CP-140 Aurora long-range patrol aircraft deployed to Japan.

Canada and Japan share a longstanding relationship underpinned by considerable and growing defence ties. On October 11, 2022, Canada’s Foreign Affairs Minister, Mélanie Joly, and Hayashi Yoshimasa, Foreign Affairs Minister of Japan, announced the launch of negotiations for a General Security of Information Agreement. The agreement will help facilitate information sharing, support defence procurement, and deepen the Canada-Japan strategic partnership through improving interoperability.

Under Op NEON, Canada has been a committed partner, alongside Japan, in a multilateral initiative to counter North Korea’s maritime sanctions evasion. This has included both Royal Canadian Air Force maritime surveillance aircraft and Royal Canadian Navy frigates operating in the region. 

Quotes

“Canada values its strong and growing bilateral defence relationship with Japan. We consider Japan an important partner in the Indo-Pacific, and appreciate the critical role Japan plays in the overall peace, stability, and prosperity of the region.”

Ian G. McKay, Ambassador of Canada to Japan

“HMCS Vancouver’s conduct of Operation NEON, and our upcoming port visit to Kure, the ship’s second port visit to Japan during our deployment, is a demonstration of Canada’s commitment to working with like-minded partners such as Japan to promote peace and security in the Indo-Pacific. We are happy to join our HMCS Winnipeg teammates as the first Canadian warships to return to a Japanese base since before the pandemic, and to continue building on our strong relationship with the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force.”

Commander Kevin Whiteside, Commanding Officer HMCS Vancouver

“HMCS Winnipeg had the opportunity to work with the Japan Maritime Self-Defence Force during Exercise Rim of the Pacific and during Operation PROJECTION. We are the first Royal Canadian Navy frigate to conduct a replenishment at sea with a Japanese helicopter carrier,JS Izumo, and we look forward to continuing to build on this relationship and our interoperability during our visit in Kure, Japan. As per our motto “One with the strength of many,” HMCS Winnipeg is ready to enhance relationships with Canada’s allies and partners, and to uphold Canada’s ongoing commitment to global peace and security.” 

Commander Annick Fortin, Commanding Officer HMCS Winnipeg

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Contacts

Embassy of Canada to Japan, Media Relations
Tel: 03-5412-6444
Email: tokyo-media@international.gc.ca

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