Indonesian naval ships visit HCM City

Kri Sultan Iskandar Muda 367 arrives at Ho Chi Minh City’s Nha Rong Port. (Credit: VNA) ★

A squadron of two Indonesian navy Sigma-class guided missile frigates docked at Nha Rong Wharf in Ho Chi Minh City on October 18, beginning their four-day visit to the southern economic hub and their exchange with the Vietnam People's Navy.

The two Sigma-class corvettes, namely Kri Sultan Hasanuddin 366 and Kri Sultan Iskandar Muda 367, have 181 crew members and are led by Lieutenant Colonel Sunmarji Bimoaji, the captain of the 367 vessel.

The guided missile ships have the same specifications, with a displacement of 1,818 tonnes, measuring 90.71 m long, 13.02 m wide and have a 5.2 m draft.

The visit by the Indonesian Navy fleet aims to enhance the cooperation between the two countries' military, and the navies in particular, contributing to promoting the strategic partnership between Vietnam and Indonesia, in an in depth manner with practical benefits.

Representatives from the HCM City agencies, the Ministry of Defence, Military Region 7 Command, the Border Guard Command, and the Vietnamese Navy authorities participated in the welcoming ceremony for the Indonesian frigates.

At the event, Colonel Ha Xuan Xu, a representative of the Vietnam People's Navy Command in the South, conveyed his wish for a successful visit to the Indonesian side.

The colonel also expressed his hope that the friendship between the two countries' military, and the navy in particular, would be increasingly intensified following the visit.

Expressing his sincere gratitude to the hosts for a warm welcome, Captain Sumarji Bimoaji said that the visit would contribute to promoting a fine and comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

During the visit, the commanders, officers and sailors of the Indonesian Navy ships will greet the leaders of the HCM City People's Committee; visit the Military Region 7 Command and Navy Region 2 Command; and take part in sporting activities, as well as exchanges with the hosts’ young navy officers.

The visit by the Indonesian Navy fleet will last until October 21.

  ♞ nhandan