Izumi said the Gulf region is important to Japan and it is the third time the squadron has visited Jeddah The sea lanes between the Middle East and Japan were vital to the Japanese economy JEDDAH: Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishaal bin Majed on Monday received the commander of Japanese squadron, Rear Admiral Hiroyuki Izumi, and his accompanying delegation. During the meeting, they reviewed issues of mutual interest. Two Japanese naval ships, including the destroyer Makinami, have docked at the Red Sea port of Jeddah on a training mission to strengthen relations with Saudi Arabia. The commander of the Japanese squadron, Rear Admiral Hiroyuki Izumi, said the visit would provide training for crew members and help strengthen relations with the Kingdom. Izumi said the Gulf region is important to Japan and it is the third time the squadron has visited Jeddah. The last visit was six years ago. “We would like to share with the Saudi Arabian navy the idea of free and open seas, and contribute together to stabilization of maritime borders,” he said. The commander said that the sea lanes between the Middle East and Japan were vital to the Japanese economy, with 90 percent of oil bound for Japan passing through the area.