Two Vietnamese naval ships arrived in Tanjung Priok Port, Jakarta, Indonesia on November 12, starting an official visit of Vietnamese Navy delegation to an ASEAN member state.

Indonesia is the first stop on Dinh Tien Hoang HQ-011 and Ly Thai To HQ-012 fleet’s trip to three Southeast Asia countries, with Brunei and the Philippines up next.

The 4-day visit of the Vietnamese Navy delegation aims to deepen the strategic partnership between the two countries, and jointly prepare for the 60 th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year.

The delegation, led by Rear Admiral and Deputy Chief of the Naval Staff Nguyen Van Kiem, were warmly welcomed by Colonel Wiweka, head of the Naval Region III under the Jakarta-based Western Fleet Command.

In his welcoming speech, Indonesian Colonel Wiweka spoke highly of the delegation’s visit, adding that he was delighted at the practical cooperation between the two forces, which has greatly contributed to the maintenance of order and security in the region.

On his part, Rear Admiral Nguyen Van Kiem highlighted that the initiatives to strengthen bilateral cooperation on offshore activities were implemented in different forms at all levels, helping the two navies increase their capabilities.

On the same day, the Vietnamese delegation paid a courtesy visit to Indonesian navy leaders and Jakarta’s municipal authorities.

The delegation also plans to participate in a friendly volleyball competition with the host, as well as a number of training exercises and drills on search and rescue operations at sea during their visit.

They will depart for Brunei on November 15.-VNA