WASHINGTON -- Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Adm. Mike Gilday held a video teleconference (VTC) on June 25 with Adm. Hiroshi Yamamura, Chief of Maritime Staff, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF).

The two leaders reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen the long-standing partnership between the two navies and countries.

“Our navies’ partnership is vibrant and resilient, serving as a cornerstone in our nations’ alliance,” said Gilday. “Going forward, we will continue to work closely together with our JMSDF partners to ensure a free and open Indo-Pacific.”

The discussion also focused on enhanced cooperation, particularly during the coronavirus pandemic, and the two leaders agreed that information sharing among allies and partners is essential to maintaining maritime security in the region.

“We should strengthen navy-to-navy cooperation with the U.S. Navy despite COVID-19 to face the security challenges in front of us together,” said Yamamura.

The two admirals first met in person in September 2019 during Gilday’s visit to the U.S. Seventh Fleet area of operations. They also recently met with First Sea Lord, United Kingdom Royal Navy Adm. Tony Radakin for a trilateral and maritime discussion onboard HMS Queen Elizabeth (R08) anchored outside Annapolis, Md., in November 2019.