HANOI -- Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) ships docked at Tien Sa port in Vietnam's central Da Nang city on Saturday, beginning a three-day visit to Vietnam.

An official welcome ceremony for the officers and crew members was held in Tien Sa port in the presence of representatives from Vietnam's Defense Ministry, the Vietnam People's Naval Armed Service, the Naval High Command and the municipal Border Guard High Command.

Japanese attendees included Ambassador to Vietnam Hiroshi Fukada, Colonel Manabu Ozawa, the Japanese military attache and representatives of the Japanese Business Association in Da Nang, reported Vietnam News Agency.

The delegation, led by MSDF Rear-Admiral Fumiyuki Kitagawa, includes three ships carrying 750 people. During their stay in Vietnam, the captains will pay courtesy visits to leaders of the municipal people's committee, High Command of Military Zone 5 and Navy Zone 3.

Officers and crew members will join in cultural and sports exchange activities and tour Da Nang city and its surrounds.