Surcouf stayed at the port of Ho Chi Minh City (Source:VNA)HCMCity (VNA) -The French Navy’s Mistral-classamphibious assault ship Dixmude and La Fayette-class frigate FS Surcoufwith 713 officers and sailors on board began their five-day visit to Ho ChiMinh City on June 1.
The visit of the French naval ships is part of activities to celebratethe 45th anniversary of the Vietnam-France diplomatic ties and thefive years of their Strategic Partnership.
It contributes to promoting cooperation between the two countries’ navies inparticular and the bilateral defence ties in general.
During their stay, the officers will pay courtesy visits to leaders of themunicipal People’s Committee, the High Command of Naval Region 2 and the city’sHigh Command.
The crew members will take part in exchange andjoint drill activities, as well as share their experience in fields of their commonconcern.
They will also explore historical relic sites and natural landscapes in HCMCity.
Due to the large tonnage, Dixmude docked at Ba Ria-Vung Tauport, while Surcouf stayed at the portof Ho Chi Minh City.
Dixmude and Surcouf are joining in a combat training mission named “Jeanned’Arc”, which aims to enhance international cooperation and practical combattraining.
Immediately after docking at HCM City port, Colonel Jaen Porcher - commander ofSurcouf and French Consul General in HCM City Vincent Floreani co-chaired a pressconference on the ship to introduce activities of the mission as well as theschedule of the fleet in the city.
The Jeanne D’Arc mission is an annual deploymentundertaken by French Navy ships over a five-month period.
Dixmude is 199 metres long and 32 metres wide. It can carry heavy combatequipment such as helicopters, landing vehicles and soldiers.
Meanwhile, Surcouf is a modern multi-purpose hidden frigate,which is made of composite material. It is 125 metres long and 5 metres wide,and is equipped with helicopters, anti-ship guns and missiles, and anti-submarinetorpedoes. -VNA
VNA
