A see-off ceremony for the Vietnamese delegation was held at port under the chair of Deputy Commander of Hong Kong Garrison Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei. The event was attended by Vietnamese Consul General to Hong Kong Pham Binh Dam and the staff of the Consulate General.
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Rear Admiral Tan Zhiwei and Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan at the see-off ceremony |
The Hong Kong friendly visit of the Vietnamese delegation was made after the Vietnamese frigate’s successful participation in the “Peace and Friendship – 2023” joint exercise in Zhanjiang. This was the first time that China had invited foreign naval ships to Hong Kong for a visit since this special administrative region was returned to China in 1997, showing China’s good will and respect for its relations with Vietnam in general and the Vietnam People’s Army in particular.
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Frigate 016-Quang Trung’s crew-members salute the port. |
Highlighting the event, Vietnamese Consul General to Hong Kong Pham Binh Dam said that this was a special milestone that has contributed to boosting military exchange and cooperation, mutual understanding and trust, and the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between Vietnam and China. Vietnam’s participation in the exercise with other navies was a big step in actualizing the Party, State, and military’s international integration and defense foreign policy, thereby ensuring safety and security at sea, for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region and the world. It also proved that Vietnam is an active and responsible member in the international community in addressing global common issues and affirmed the position and prestige of Vietnam in general and the Vietnam People’s Army in particular.
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At the meeting between Major General Peng Jingtang and Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan |
At the reception for the Vietnamese delegation, Major General Peng Jingtang, Commander of Hong Kong Garrison Navy of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and Senior Captain Nguyen Van Ngan recalled the time when the two parties, states, and peoples stood side by side, stayed united, and supported each other in the national liberation cause and socialism building in each country.
Reviewing the important outcomes obtained since the meetings of senior leaders of the two parties, states, and militaries over the past time, the two officials emphasized that those results will serve as important orientations for the fruitful development of the two countries’ friendly cooperative ties. Within the relationship between the two militaries, the two navies have continuously strengthened the bilateral cooperation through regular visits, exchanges, and meetings, joint patrols, joint exercises, and recently the “Peace and Friendship – 2023” joint exercise.
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Vietnamese, Chinese, and Malaysian naval officers in a sport exchange |
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Vietnamese naval art troupe perform at a cultural exchange. |
In Hong Kong, the Vietnamese delegation visited the exhibition center of the Hong Kong Garrison Navy and had cultural, sport, and culinary exchanges with their peers. Those activities left deep impressions of the united, friendly, and peace-loving Vietnam People’s Army and Vietnam People’s Navy on the host military and people.
Reported by Van Duyen (From Hong Kong, China)
Translated by Tran Hoai