Vietnam's frigate begins friendly visit to Hong Kong

This is the first time that China has invited foreign naval ships to Hong Kong for a visit since the region's return to the country in 1997. This demonstrates China's goodwill and respect toward its relations with countries participating in the exercise, including Vietnam. 

At the welcome ceremony, Deputy Commander of Hong Kong Garrison Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei congratulated the Vietnamese naval delegation’s successful participation in the freshly-ended “Peace and Friendship - 2023” joint exercise in Zhanjiang. He affirmed that China will create favorable conditions for the delegation to have a successful trip, contributing to consolidating and strengthening the sound relationship between the navies of Vietnam and China.

During its stay in Hong Kong, the Vietnamese delegation will tour the garrison’s Exhibition Center and take part in cultural, sports, and culinary exchange activities.

The visit, made after Frigate 016-Quang Trung and the Vietnamese delegation have successfully concluded their participation in the “Peace and Friendship - 2023” joint exercise in Zhanjiang, is to actualize the guidelines of the Central Military Commission and leaders of the Defense Ministry of Vietnam on international integration and external defense relations, contributing to consolidating and strengthening the sound friendship and cooperation between the Vietnamese and Chinese militaries and navies for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

On this occasion, Vietnamese Consul General to Hong Kong Pham Binh Dam and the staff of the Consulate General visited Frigate 016-Quang Trung. While visiting the Vietnamese Navy's modern ship, the Vietnamese diplomat affirmed the importance of international exchange activities in strengthening understanding and friendship between the Vietnam People’s Navy and other navies, contributing to firmly protecting the nation early and from afar. 

Below are photos of the welcome ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation. 

At the welcome ceremony

Frigate 016-Quang Trung’s crew-members saluting the port

Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei welcomes Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan and Vietnamese delegation.

Vietnamese Consul General to Hong Kong Pham Binh Dam (right), Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei, and Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan in a joint photo at the welcome ceremony

Staff of the Consulate General of Vietnam in Hong Kong and Frigate 016-Quang Trung’s crew-members in a joint photo

Reported by Van Duyen (from Hong Kong, China)

Translated by Tran Hoai