Two Vietnamese frigates in PHL, a first of its kind

From Ang Malaya (Nov 25): Two Vietnamese frigates in PHL, a first of its kind

Two warships of Vietnam People’s Navy are in the country for a three-day goodwill visit. Dinh Tien Hoang (HQ-011) and Ly Thai To (HQ-012) arrived Monday, November 24 and will stay in the Philippines until Wednesday, November 26.

These two warships are carrying approximately 200 officers and crews.

Dinh Tien Hoang (HQ-011) and Ly Thai To (HQ-012) are Russian-made frigate designed to perform search and destroy missions.

During the visit two parties will tackle visits and exchanges, personnel education and training exchanges, naval technology exchanges and intelligence exchanges.

The visit is a first of its kind. This kind of activity between two navies is seen as a positive development and a deepening relationship between Philippine and Vietnam military. Reports said that two navies are planning joint patrols and rescue activities, when needed, in South China Sea.

Earlier this month, Philippines and Vietnam governments decided to pave the way for a comprehensive strategic partnership. “I think that it is mostly driven by our close ties with them, and we actually have entered into a strong commitment to be able to bring our relations closer, and the way to do this is through some form of a comprehensive strategic partnership,” Department of Foreign Affairs chief Albert del Rosario said.

http://www.angmalaya.net/nation/2014/11/25/6030-two-vietnamese-frigates-in-phl-a-first-of-its-kind