Vietnamese sailing ship leaves Nha Trang for Malaysian visit

Saluting the port before the ship leaves for Malaysia

As envisaged, the Vietnamese delegation will pay a courtesy call on the local authorities, commanders of the naval unit stationed in Lumut base under the Malaysian Navy. They will also host a banquet and have artistic exchange with Malaysian peers on the 286-Le Quy Don. Besides cultural and sport exchange with the Malaysian peers, the Vietnamese delegation will visit some local historical and cultural relics.

During the delegation’s stay in Malaysia, the 286-Le Quy Don and sailing ship TUNAS SAMUDERA of the Malaysian Navy will maneuver in formation at sea for joint photos.

Sailing Ship 286-Le Quy Don heads for Malaysia.

While en route to Malaysia, the Vietnamese delegation will conduct a long-day sea training session to improve the capacity of command, mastery of weapons and equipment, handling of real situations at sea, help final year cadets gain real experience and scout to grasp situation of the waters.

The visit aims to create the momentum for the State visit of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to Malaysia (expected to take place at the same time or after the ship's visit). The visit also aims to further strengthen the friendship, good cooperation, mutual understanding and trust between the two militaries and navies; contribute to developing the Vietnam - Malaysia strategic partnership; enhance coordination capabilities in response to common challenges in maritime security facing the two navies, making positive contribution to peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region.

Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Trong Hieu, Commanding Officer of the 268-Le Quy Don reports the preparation work to the delegation head.

Sailing Ship 286-Le Quy Don, commissioned for the Vietnam Naval Academy in 2016, is the first modern sailing ship of the Vietnam People’s Navy. It is tasked with training the Vietnam Naval Academy’s cadets and conducting military diplomacy, contributing to realizing the policy of enhancing the Vietnamese Navy’s international integration and defense diplomacy affairs.

This voyage is carried out after two years of hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic. All preparations for the trip were made thoroughly, ensuring safety and COVID-19 prevention.

All members of the delegation are tested for COVID-19 before the trip starts.

Reported by My Hanh

Translated by Mai Huong