Vietnam’s frigate 016-Quang Trung with 150 Vietnamese officers, soldiers and sailors aboard anchored at Vladivostok port on July 25, beginning its courtesy visit to Russia.

A welcome ceremony for the ship’s crew was hosted by Captain 1st rank Aleksandr Shvarts, commander of missile ships no. 36 of the Russian Navy’s Pacific Fleet the same day.

Shvarts expressed his delight at the visit by the Vietnamese delegation on the occasion of the 323rd anniversary of the Russian Navy.

Colonel Nguyen Van Ngan, Deputy Chief of Staff of Naval Zone 4 and head of the Vietnamese delegation, said the visit aims to respond to activities within the Vietnam-Russia and Russia-Vietnam Year (2019-2020).

It is also expected to consolidate and enhance the fruitful friendship and cooperation between armies and navies of the two countries, thus helping to boost the traditional friendship and comprehensive strategic partnership between Vietnam and Russia, he said.

During their stay in Russia, the Vietnamese officers and crewmembers are scheduled to pay a courtesy visit to the Pacific Fleet High Command and authorities of Vladivostok.

The Vietnamese vessel will also participate in a fleet review and other activities to celebrate the traditional day of the Russian Navy.–VNA