New Zealand Navy’s ship visits Ho Chi Minh City

Welcoming the ship were representatives from the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Naval Region 2 Command, the Military Region 7 Command, the Department of External Relations under the Ministry of National Defense, the New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam, and other relevant agencies of the Ministry of National Defense.

Ship HMNZS Aotearoa arrives at Nha Rong - Khanh Hoi International Port.

The visit of HMNZS Aotearoa to Ho Chi Minh City takes place at a special time, as Vietnam and New Zealand celebrate the 50th anniversary of their diplomatic relations. Earlier this year, in February 2025, the two countries’ leaders announced the elevation of their bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

The visit provides an opportunity for the Ministries of Defense of Vietnam and New Zealand to further deepen their defense cooperation while promoting friendship exchanges and mutual understanding between the two navies.

Representatives of the Naval Region 2 Command welcome the ship.

During their stay in Ho Chi Minh City, the ship’s chain-of-command will pay courtesy calls on leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Military Region 7 Command, and Naval Region 2 Command; visit several local landmarks; take part in cultural and sports exchange activities; and conduct joint drills with the Vietnam People’s Navy to practice the Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea (CUES).

Delegates in a joint photo

HMNZS Aotearoa serves as a logistics support vessel for the Royal New Zealand Navy and participates in humanitarian assistance operations.

This is the second visit of HMNZS Aotearoa to Vietnam within the past three years, demonstrating the growing strength and closeness of defense cooperation between New Zealand and Vietnam.

Translated by Tran Hoai