Senior Colonel Nguyen Van Son, Vietnamese defense attaché to the Philippines, joined the delegation.
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The crew-members warmly welcome Ambassador Hoang Huy Chung. |
At the meeting, Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan, Deputy Chief of Staff of the Naval Region 4 Command, and head of the Vietnamese working mission to the Philippines expressed the honor to receive the ambassador and his entourage during their participation in the ASEAN Fleet Review (AFR) and the second ASEAN Multilateral Naval Exercise (AMNEX-2) in the country.
Having toured the frigate, heard about its operation outcomes, techno-tactical features of the weapons and equipment on one of the most modern frigates of Vietnam, the ambassador expressed his pride to visit the 015 - Tran Hung Dao, witnessing the growth and strength of the Vietnam People’s Navy. “Coming here from Manila, we are touched seeing the national flag flying on the 015 - Tran Hung Dao at Subic Naval Base,” he said.
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Commander Ma Nguyen Thanh, CO of the 015 - Tran Hung Dao, introduces the diplomat to the ship’s operations and materiel. |
In his over-three-years tenure, the ambassador has exerted efforts to strengthen defense cooperation between Vietnam and the Philippines, and the visit of ships is one of the priorities he has paid due attention to. “Visiting the frigate is a great honor and an unforgettable and significant memory in my working term and diplomatic career,” he shared.
He affirmed that AFR and AMNEX-2 were big ASEAN defense cooperation activities in 2023. Vietnam’s participation in these events demonstrated the country’s attachment to enhancing the defense ties with ASEAN in general and the Philippines in particular and the country’s support for the Philippines-hosted international events.
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Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan presents a souvenir to Ambassador Hoang Huy Chung. |
In the context that regional and international situations are developing unpredictably, and tensions at sea are increasing and persisting, Vietnam's engagement in regional maritime cooperation activities is more meaningful, he noted, stressing that it is the State’s preparation for firmly safeguarding national sovereignty and territory, and other legitimate interests at sea and at the same time it sends an international message in the spirit of readiness to cooperate and make contribution for ASEAN solidarity and for peace, stability in the region and the world.
The diplomat highlighted the achievements in defense and naval cooperation between the two countries, contributing to enhancing their nations’ cooperation. He hoped that in the time ahead, Vietnam will continue to join more practical multilateral activities within ASEAN and bilateral ones with the Philippines, practically developing the strategic partnership between the two countries, realizing the Party and State’s foreign policy of multilateralization and diversification of relations with countries and being friends with all countries.
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Ambassador Chung, his entourage, and the crew-members in a joint photo |
On the occasion, the diplomat wished all crew-members and the working mission health, enthusiasm to devote and good completion of the noble mission of defending national maritime sovereignty and continental shelf.
By My Hanh from the Philippines
Translated by Mai Huong