The delegation, led by Commanding Officer of the HMCS Calgary Blair Saltel, was welcomed by leaders of the High Command of Naval Region 3, the Defence Ministry’s Department of Foreign Relations, the High Command of the Vietnam Border Guard Force and Da Nang’s Department of External Affairs and Military Command.

During their stay, the guests will pay courtesy calls to the municipal People’s Committee, the High Command of Naval Region 3, as well as visit famous destinations of Da Nang city.

They will join exchange activities with children with disabilities, Agent Orange/dioxin (AO) victims in the city and students of Phan Chau Trinh school. 

The delegation will meet with trade partners to introduce Canada’s technology and participate in a friendly football game with the High Command of Naval Region 3.

Commander Blair Saltel said the highlight of the visit will be a joint maritime activity with the Vietnam People’s Navy to expand and strengthen bilateral defence partnership in the region.

The visit is among activities to mark the 45th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Canada, contributing to bilateral ties.

It is among eight port visits made by the HMCS Calgary ship within the Operation Projection (OP Projection) in Asia-Pacific, which is hoped to increase the presence of the Royal Canadian Navy in the region and encourage international exercises with its partners. 

It also aims to enhance existing defence collaboration and establish new relations to increase coordinating capacity and military tactics in the future.-VNA