June 11, 2019 | 21:20 (GMT+7)
Canadian naval ships make first ever port call to Cam Ranh
PANO - Multi-role frigate HMCS Regina and supply ship MV Asterix of the Royal Canadian Navy anchored at Cam Ranh International Port in Khanh Hoa province on June 10, starting their four-day friendly visit to the province for the first time.
The visit is part of the Royal Canadian Navy’s exchange program with the aim of strengthening the ability to perform joint activities with its counterparts in the Asia-Pacific region.
It is expected to contribute to expanding the bilateral defense cooperation on par with the memorandum of understanding on the Vietnam-Canada defense cooperation. The visit has also demonstrated Canada’s defense partnership commitment to Vietnam.
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The two ships at Cam Ranh International Port. Photo: thanhnien.vn |
During their stay in Khanh Hoa province, the Canadian officers and sailors will pay a courtesy call on leaders of the provincial People’s Committee, play sports with naval troops of the Naval Region 4 Command, and tour several local scenic and historical sites.
In addition, they will also have an exchange with students of Khanh Hoa University, and visit the Khanh Hoa provincial Social Protection Center and a center for educating and supporting disadvantaged children in Cam Ranh city.
HMCS Regina, a Halifax-class frigate, is armed with a number of advanced weapons and equipment for tracing and intercepting submarines, surface ships, and aero-targets.
Meanwhile, MV Asterix, converted from a commercial ship into a supply version for the Royal Canadian Navy, serves as an interim replacement while the two future Protecteur-class auxiliary vessels are under construction.
Translated by Van Hieu