Japan and Bahrain Celebrate 15 Years of Counter-Piracy Operations

Vice Admiral Katsushi OMACHI, Commander-in-Chief of Japan's Self Defense Fleet, commended the longstanding efforts of Bahrain’s Royal Navy, expressing deep admiration for their role in sustaining regional stability. “The stability of this region is crucial for fostering commercial collaboration,” OMACHI said during an exclusive conversation with The Daily Tribune. His words emphasized the significance of cooperation in both defense and trade, spotlighting Bahrain's critical role as a maritime partner.

The commemoration event was jointly hosted by Japan’s Ambassador to Bahrain, H.E. Asako OKAI, alongside Vice Admiral OMACHI, in the presence of notable dignitaries, including H.E. Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa, Director General of Bilateral Relations at Bahrain’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Commodore Osama Mubarak Al Hamdan, Deputy Commander of the Bahrain Royal Naval Force. Vice Admiral George Wikoff, Commander of U.S. NAVCENT, U.S. Fifth Fleet, and the Combined Maritime Forces (CMF), also acknowledged Japan’s pivotal contributions.

"Japan’s significant investment in the CMF over the years has been instrumental in safeguarding maritime commerce and countering piracy," Wikoff stated, expressing gratitude for Japan's steadfast support.

Japan's Ambassador H.E. Asako OKAI highlighted the milestones achieved since Japan began its counter-piracy operations. In her opening remarks, she revealed that Japan has deployed 74 vessels and 55 maritime patrol aircraft over the past 15 years, escorting nearly 4,000 merchant ships. These efforts, backed by approximately 22,000 personnel, have ensured the safety of countless vessels passing through one of the world’s most critical shipping lanes.

Though piracy incidents have decreased in recent years, the Ambassador warned of a renewed threat, particularly following a hijacking incident in 2023. She noted that the diversion of military resources to address the Houthi threat in the Red Sea could potentially increase piracy activities by criminal organizations seeking new revenue streams.

H.E. Ambassador Shaikh Abdulla bin Ali Al Khalifa, meanwhile, reflected on the deepening ties between Bahrain and Japan, which were strengthened by the signing of a defense cooperation and exchange memorandum during the 2023 Manama Dialogue. This agreement has already resulted in joint goodwill exercises and high-level visits, enhancing the strategic collaboration between the two nations.

The reception underscored the significance of multinational cooperation within the Combined Maritime Forces, a coalition that allows for a coordinated and robust response to piracy and maritime security threats. This partnership not only strengthens diplomatic and military relations but also reinforces regional stability, ensuring safer seas for all.

As Vice Admiral OMACHI noted, the collaboration between Bahrain and Japan, supported by the U.S. Fifth Fleet and CMF, will continue to be a cornerstone of the region’s security framework, with an enduring focus on safeguarding the future of international maritime commerce.