Japanese maritime self-defense force squadrons will visit the King Abdul Aziz port in Dammam for a joint mine-sweeping exercise, said a Japanese Embassy official.

The Japanese maritime squadrons along with Saudi personnel will do the exercises for three days starting Saturday until Monday (Nov. 15 -17), the official informed.

He said the exercise will include a welcoming ceremony at the entry to the port, opening the ship to visitors from the Japanese community residing in the Kingdom, followed by a reception on board the ship for invitees, honoring Saudi military commanders, initiating a cultural exchange with the Saudi Navy and training in the Hofuf area by crew members.

The said the effort highlights the growing Saudi-Japanese relations that date back to more than five decades. The two countries share very cordial relations he said, adding that with the greater participation of the private sector, they are making use of multi-sectoral opportunities for mutual benefit.