The Republic of Korea Navy Cruise Training Task Group arrived here Saturday at the Jeddah Islamic Port. The goodwill visit is part of a nine-country tour of the group for the same purpose. Addressing a press conference on board the ship, the captain of the group, Commander Rear Admiral Kim Dong-kyun said the arrival of the group has nothing to do with the recent piracy problem close to the coast of Somalia. “This visit is for training purposes despite the readiness of these ships for other tasks,” Kim said. Saudi Arabia and Korea, he said, share mutual interests and added that his country was keen to show respect and loyalty to Saudi Arabia through such cooperation. “We are indebted to Saudi Arabia for supporting South Korea when it was financially weak in the 70s. With such cooperation we are paying back to this great country in a loyal way,” the commander explained. He added that the two countries are joining hands on several levels. “We are sure that both navies will benefit from each other's experiences,” Kim added. He thanked Saudi Arabia for its hospitality and wholehearted welcome. With 630 crew members, 120 midshipmen onboard, the two ships; CHOI YOUNG and DAE CHEONG set sail from Jinhae, Korea on May 27 and will be traveling for 93 days and will visit nine different countries in Asia, Middle East and Europe. The task group has visited Sri Lanka and Brunei before arriving in Saudi Arabia. The task group first visited Saudi Arabia in 1975. Visits have been repeated during 1977, 1989, 1991, 1992, 1994, and 1995 with this year marking the eighth visit. The group's captain will visit the commander of the West Fleet, commander of the West Naval Area Jeddah Harbor Control chairman, Jeddah Harbor Security and mayor of Jeddah to exchange opinions on further cooperation. Within the four-day program, the ROK Navy Cruise Training Task Group will conduct combined passage exercises, such as communication check, flashing light, flag drill, tactical maneuvering and photo exercise in the near sea. As part of the program, Saudi Arabian military personnel, diplomats, civilians and Korean residents will be invited to attend an open ship event that displays and promotes Korean defense industry products, history and culture. ROK Task group will set sail for Italy on Tuesday.
