Sakhalin frontiersmen to take part in Russian-Japanese drills

01.10.2010 Frontier Service patrol ships Bug and Yuzhno-Sakhalinsk of Russian FSB Frontier Service, Sakhalin Dept left for Japan to practice interaction while anti-poaching and life-saving operations with Japanese counterparts; the joint exercise will start on Oct 3, reported RIA Novosti referring to Irina Shebeko, representative of Public Relations Group, Sakhalin Dept.

"Joint Russian-Japanese tactical exercise will be held on Oct 3 after preliminary trainings. They will start with parade of ships which is to be reviewed by the head of Russian delegation Gen. Maj. Andrei Burlaka, chief of Sakhalin Dept and Sato Naoyuki, chief of maritime security staff, 1st region", said Mrs. Shebeko.

According to her, during the exercise Russian frontiersmen in cooperation with Japanese counterparts intend to practice detention of poachers' schooner, rendering assistance to a distressed ship, and rescuing people in the high seas. Japanese aviation will be also involved.

"Apart from official events, Sakhalin frontiersmen will be acquainted with Japanese traditions and culture during the excursion around Otaru, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the Land of the Rising Sun", said Shebeko.

The exercise and the visit are held in accordance with the plan of official meetings between Russian FSB Frontier Service and foreign partners in 2010 and the program of co-operation between Russian FSB Frontier Service and Japan's Maritime Security Agency. The purpose of the visit is further deepening of international cooperation between coast guards of the two countries, and countering transfrontier criminality at sea.