Two vessels of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force are making a port call in Vietnam. The move is seen as part of an attempt to bolster ties with the Vietnamese Navy.

The MSDF's Suzunami destroyer and Shimakaze training ship arrived in the northern Vietnamese city of Hai Phong on Thursday. The city held a welcome ceremony.

About 430 personnel, including graduates of the MSDF's officer candidate training school, are on board the ships.

The commander of Training Division 1, Captain Yanagihara Makoto, said the waters around Vietnam are a very important region.

He noted that Japan and Vietnam have cooperated at various levels, and expressed hope that the two countries will deepen their ties.

Tokyo and Hanoi confirmed in November last year that they will elevate bilateral relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership with China in mind. Beijing continues to ramp up its maritime activities in the South China Sea.

Japan and Vietnam have also agreed to enhance security cooperation through expanded defense personnel exchanges and equipment transfers.