The French Navy’s Mistral-class landing helicopter dock ship Dixmudearrived at the Changi Naval Base on April 24, starting a week-long visitto Singapore.
The visit is part of Jeanne D’Arc mission from the Indian Ocean to reach the Sea of Japan via the East Sea.
Speaking at a press conference on the ship, French Ambassador toSingapore Benjamin Dubertret said the two countries’ strategicpartnership covers strengthening defence cooperation. They pledge tomaintain commitments to regional security such as respecting the rightto the freedom of navigation and combating piracy and terrorism.
Dixmude commanding officer Pierre de Briancon told Vietnam News Agencycorrespondents that during the five-month mission, the ship will engagein counter-piracy and terrorism activities, coordinate with navies ofallied countries, provide aid in diplomatic policies, and give trainingto foreign navies.
After leaving Singapore, Dixmudewill head to China’s Shanghai city before arriving in the Sea of Japanto participate in some activities with the navies of the US, Japan, andthe Republic of Korea in late May.-VNA