KOTA KINABALU: Two South Korean navy warships made their maiden port-of-call in Sabah, docking at the Sepanggar Naval Base here, this morning.
Arriving at 9.30am, the Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) destroyer 'Kang Gam Chan' and combat support ship 'Hwacheon' brought 630 crew members, including 138 midshipmen.
This is South Korean navy's 23rd visit to Malaysia since 1964 but first to Kota Kinabalu.
The ROKN's presence here is part of the navy's Cruise Training Task Group (CCTG) programme to enhance skills and knowledge among the South Korean navy personnel.
The two vessels are expected to dock in Sabah until Nov 27.
Speaking to reporters, ROKN CCTG commander Rear Admiral Yang Yong-mo hoped the visit would strenghthen diplomatic ties between Malaysia and South Korea.
"The fact that we have been visiting this country for the 23rd time shows Malaysia is a good amd important partner to us.
"We are going to do our best in maintaining the excellent ties and to provide our midshipmen with experience while they are in Kota Kinabalu as well as opportunity to broaden their skills," he said.
On the crew mebers, Yong-mo said both vessels carry 13 commissioned and non-commissioned female officers as well as 13 female midshipmen.
He stressed the female navy personnel carry out similar job as their male colleagues, including handling weapons.
"Although their numbers are small, the women also play important role in decision making.
"This vessel has a female Liutenant Commander, who is responsible in the ship operation," he stressed.
To a question whether ROKN would have a joint exercise with the Malaysian navy, Yong-mo said it was in the plan.
"We have not specified what are type of exercise to be conducted but we are looking anti-piracy or maritime navigation.
"Such joint exercises may be carried out after our programmes (in Kota Kinabalu) completed. This requires further discussion," he said.
Throughout their port-of-call here, several programmes are lined up to provide opportunity for the local community to learn about ROKN.
Among the activities are ROKN's open day, where public can board and tour the vessels, and ROK Navy Joint Performance at Menara Tun Mustapha, which is aimed at promoting Korean's traditional and pop culture to Sabahans.
ROKN personnel will also engaged with the locals and do community service work at the Sabah Cheshire Home.
Meanwhile, Sabah Navy Eastern Fleet Commander Vice-Admiral Datuk Syed Zahiruddin Putra Syed Osman said ROKN visit to the state was also an opportunity to promote Sabah's culture and development to foreign visitors.
"It will indirectly provide a clear picture that the security in Sabah waters remained safeguarded and to give confidence to our foreign investors," he said.
Prior to visiting Sabah, the 'Kang Gam Chan' and 'Hwacheon' vessels stopped at Pattaya, Thailand.
In its 64th CCTG programme, the warships set sailed from Jinhae, South Korea on Sept 11.
The ships made port-of-call in Vietnam, India, United Arab Emirates, Kuwait, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia.
On Nov 27, ROKN is scheduled to sail off to United States (Guam) for a port-of-call before continuing sailing to Japan and returning home.