A welcome ceremony for the Australian delegation, which is led by Brigadier General Tony McCormack, Commander of Australia's Indo-Pacific Endeavour Program (IPE), was held with the presence of representatives of the Vietnam People’s Navy, the Naval Region 2 Command, Ho Chi Minh City’s Department of Foreign Affairs, the Department of Foreign Relations of the Ministry of National Defense, the Military Region 7 Command, and functional agencies and units in Ho Chi Minh City.  

Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Brigadier General Tony McCormack said that the visit is within the framework of bilateral activities between Vietnam and Australia. It aims to strength friendship and cooperation between the two countries and close relationship between the two navies and militaries.

During their stay in Ho Chi Minh City, the Australian naval delegation will offer flowers to pay tribute to President Ho Chi Minh; pay a courtesy visit on leaders of the municipal People’s Committee, the Military Region 7 Command, and the Naval Region 2 Command; engage in sports exchanges with officers and soldiers of the Naval Region 2 Command; visit some places of interest in Ho Chi Minh City.

The HMAS Toowoomba’s Vietnam visit is one of the significant activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties; strengthen cooperation, understanding, mutual trust between the two militaries, thus boosting the Vietnam - Australia Strategic Partnership. 

Ship HMAS Toowoomba, 118m long and 14.8m wide, is equipped with many modern equipment and weapons.

On October 17, the ship and the Australian delegation will leave Ho Chi Minh City, concluding the Vietnam visit.

Below are photos of the welcome ceremony:

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The HMAS Toowoomba about to reach Ho Chi Minh City International Port
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The Australian naval delegation’s visit is part of the activities to mark the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the bilateral diplomatic ties.
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The HMAS Toowoomba at Ho Chi Minh City International Port
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Deputy Chief of Staff of the Naval Region 2 Command Senior Captain Nguyen Viet Anh chairs the welcome ceremony for the Australian naval delegation.
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The ceremony is solemnly held.
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Brigadier General Tony McCormack said, “The visit aims to strength friendship and cooperation between the two countries and close relationship between the two navies and militaries.”
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The hosts present flowers to the guests.
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The two delegations in a joint photo at the port

Translated by Tran Hoai