The activity lasts until March 31, contributing to promoting defense cooperation between Vietnam and Australia.
The visit takes place in the context of positive development of relations between the two countries. The upgrade to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership creates a foundation for expanding cooperation in many fields, including defense. This is a specific activity to strengthen exchanges, consolidate understanding and build trust between the navies of the two countries.
During their stay, the commander and crew of the ship participated in many activities. The delegation paid a courtesy visit to the leaders of the City People's Committee, interacted with Naval Region 3, visited cultural facilities, and participated in sports and community activities. These contents contributed to strengthening connections, sharing experiences and promoting substantive cooperation.
The HMAS Toowoomba ship belongs to the Anzac class, is a modern guided missile destroyer. The ship has multi-mission combat capability at sea, meeting many different task requirements. The presence of the ship in Da Nang shows the increasing level of trust and cooperation between the two sides.
Over the past time, Vietnam and Australia have implemented many effective defense cooperation programs. The contents include training, delegation exchanges, participation in UN peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance. These results create a foundation for the two countries to continue to expand cooperation in the coming time.
Colonel Alana Burkitt CSC, Australian Defense Attaché in Vietnam, said: "This visit demonstrates the sustainability of the Australia–Vietnam defense cooperation relationship, established in 1999 and constantly developing in scale and depth since then.
The Australian Defence Force has trained English for more than 5,000 Vietnamese People's Army officers in Vietnam and Australia.Australia is also proud to support Vietnam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations, through training in English, expertise and transportation of officers and goods for 07 Level 2 Field Hospitals of the Vietnamese People's Army participating in UN peacekeeping operations in South Sudan.
I know that the officers and sailors of the Toowoomba ship are very eager to experience culture in Da Nang, as well as experience the warm hospitality of the Vietnamese people.
This visit further affirms Australia's commitment to peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region. At the same time, it contributes to strengthening bilateral defense cooperation, towards sustainable and long-term development.
