Commander of Royal Australian Navy visits Vietnam

Commander of the Vietnam People’s Navy Tran Thanh Nghiem and and his Australian counterpart Mark Hammond review the guards-of-honor of the Vietnam People’s Navy.

Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem introduces members of the Vietnam People’s Navy delegation to Vice Admiral Mark Hammond at the welcoming ceremony.

Immediately after the welcoming ceremony, the two sides held talks.

Welcoming the Royal Australian Navy delegation, Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem noted that bilateral cooperation has flourished, especially following the March 2024 upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Naval ties remain a highlight, featuring effective delegation exchanges, ship visits, multilateral exercises, and search-and-rescue operations. Notably, Ship 18 has recently become the first Vietnam People’s Navy vessel to join Exercise Kakadu 2024 in Darwin.

Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem and Vice Admiral Mark Hammond

Regarding future cooperation, the Vietnam People’s Navy Commander proposed increasing delegation exchanges to enhance mutual trust and share expertise. He confirmed Vietnam will dispatch a vessel to the Royal Australian Navy’s 125th-anniversary International Fleet Review and participate in Exercise Kakadu 2026. Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem also sought continued Australian support in naval training and education. He welcomed future Royal Australian Navy port calls for professional exchanges and search-and-rescue drills, while congratulating the service on its 125th anniversary (March 1, 1901 – 2026). 

An overview of the talks

Delegates pose for a group photo.

Vice Admiral Mark Hammond thanked the Vietnam People’s Navy for their warm reception and endorsed proposals to strengthen bilateral ties. He affirmed his commitment to further deepening the naval partnership during his tenure.

Translated by Tran Hoai