The welcome ceremony was attended by representatives from the Naval Region 2 Command, the Coast Guard Region 3 Command, the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Department of External Affairs, the Department of Foreign Relations under the Ministry of National Defense, and the Ho Chi Minh Municipal Border Guard Command.

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The French multi-mission frigate Provence arrives at Lotus Port, Ho Chi Minh City.

The visit of the Provence frigate to Ho Chi Minh City aims to sustain exchanges between the navies of the two countries, thereby enhancing friendship and defense cooperation. 

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Captain Phan Anh Tuan (first, right), Deputy Commanding Officer of Brigade 125, Naval Region 2, presides over the welcome ceremony.
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Flowers presented to honor Captain Lionel Siegfried and the officers and sailors aboard the Provence frigate

As part of the visit, the ship’s command group is scheduled to pay courtesy calls on leaders of the Military Region 7 Command, Ho Chi Minh City, and Naval Region 2; to exchange expertise on maritime search and rescue with the Coast Guard Region 3 Command; to participate in a volleyball match with officers and sailors from Naval Region 2; and to tour several landmarks and attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.

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Representatives and naval officers from both sides in a group photo at the welcome ceremony

The visit is set to continue until March 7. After leaving port, the French frigate will conduct joint maritime search and rescue exercises with Coast Guard Region 3.

Translated by Song Anh