The delegation is ready to engage in activities as part of the 4th Multilateral Naval Exercise Komodo (MNEK-4) hosted by the Indonesian Navy from June 4 to 8.

Ship 20 embarked on its journey to Makassar on May 28 after participating in the naval exercise, which marked the conclusion of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition (LIMA 2023) in Malaysia.

As planned, during MNEK-4, officers and sailors of Ship 20 and the VPN delegation will participate in various activities, including an international fleet review, street parade, multilateral naval exercises at sea, cultural and sports exchanges, and culinary events.

The purpose of Ship 20's voyage and the delegation's presence in Malaysia and Indonesia is to carry out the directives of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense regarding international integration and defense diplomacy. It also aims to enhance the ability to coordinate and cooperate in addressing common challenges related to maritime security, as well as strengthen the existing friendly and cooperative relations between the military of Vietnam, the Vietnam People's Navy, and the armed forces and navies of other countries.

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At 7 a.m. on May 31, officers and sailors of Ship 20 and the VPN delegation crossed the equator, marking the first multilateral diplomatic mission and equator crossing for a ship from Naval Region 3.
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The Vietnamese flag flies alongside the Indonesian flag and the flag of the Vietnam People's Navy.
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Ship 20 approaches the berthing position.
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Ship 20 anchors in Makassar, Indonesia.
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Ships from participating countries to MNEK-4
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Commander Bui Viet Luong (close, right), Assistant to the Department of Foreign Affairs of the Vietnam People's Navy, together with a working group discusses the participation plan in MNEK-4 with the Indonesian liaison officer.

Reported by Ngoc Hung from Indonesia

Translated by Trung Thanh