Royal Navy Patrol Ship HMS Spey makes second visit to HCM City
VOV.VN - The Royal Navy’s offshore patrol vessel HMS Spey arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on October 22 for a seven-day visit aimed at strengthening UK-Vietnam defence ties and expanding naval and people-to-people exchanges as the two countries approach the first anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ship docked at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi International Port for its second visit to the southern Vietnamese city, following its visit in 2023.
During the stay, its officers and crew are scheduled to engage with the Vietnam People’s Navy, take part in cultural exchanges with local schools and a charity organisation, and visit historical and cultural sites.
The welcoming ceremony was attended by Colonel Pham Tien Dung, Deputy Chief of Staff of Vietnam’s Naval Region 2 Command, alongside representatives of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Ministry of National Defence’s Foreign Relations Department, Military Region 7 Command and Vietnam Coast Guard Region 3 Command.
Alexandra Smith, British Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City, and the UK Defence Attaché to Vietnam also attended the ceremony.
Lieutenant Commander Helen Taylor, Commanding Officer of HMS Spey, expressed her pleasure at visiting Ho Chi Minh City, describing the visit as an opportunity to reinforce the longstanding relationship between the United Kingdom and Vietnam.
She noted that the visit came as the two countries approached the first anniversary of their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, established in October 2025.
HMS Spey is an offshore patrol vessel and the fifth and final second-generation River-class vessel built for the Royal Navy. The ship was deployed to the Indo-Pacific in 2021 as part of the UK’s efforts to maintain a sustained naval presence in the region and develop strategic partnerships with regional allies and partners, including Vietnam.
During the visit, running from October 22 to 28, the ship’s command team and crew are scheduled to pay courtesy calls on leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, Military Region 7 Command and Naval Region 2 Command. They will also take part in cultural and sporting exchanges with naval personnel and visit local historical and cultural landmarks.
The port call provides an opportunity for both navies to maintain professional exchanges and strengthen defence cooperation, in line with the broader UK-Vietnam partnership.
Italian Navy ship makes friendship visit to Ho Chi Minh City
VOV.VN - The Italian Navy’s ITS Giovanni delle Bande Nere arrived at Nha Rong-Khanh Hoi International Port in Ho Chi Minh City on September 16, beginning a five-day friendship visit to the city.
