Representatives of Naval Region 2, HCM City's leadership, Canadian Embassy in Việt Nam, and the crewmembers of the HMCS Montréal. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

HCM CITY — His Majesty’s Canadian Ship (HMCS) Montréal of the Royal Canadian Navy arrived at Nhà Rồng Port in HCM City on Thursday for a five-day visit.

Senior Lieutenant Colonel Phan Anh Tuấn, deputy commander of Brigade 125, Naval Command, and civilian authorities held a welcome ceremony for the visiting crew led by Lieutenant Commander Travis Bain.

Canada’s ambassador to Việt Nam, Shawn Steil, said the visit by the warship proves Canada's strong commitment to its dynamic partnership with Việt Nam and the rest of the Indo-Pacific.

It would promote the growing friendship and defense cooperation between the two nations, he added.

HMCS Montréal. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ

During the visit, the Canadian crew will hold meetings and other exchanges and sports activities with Vietnamese military and diplomatic partners.

The sailors will also participate in community support and cultural exchanges, including a meeting with students from the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in HCM City and a visit to the “Tình Mẹ 2” charity shelter in Bình Dương Province, make a trip to Bến Thành Market and learning how to make bánh xèo (crispy pancake).

Bain said the crew is very excited to be in Việt Nam, with many members making their first visit to the country.

HMCS Montreal's first visit to Việt Nam is part of Operation HORIZON, which aims to promote freedom, stability and a rules-based international order under Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy. — VNS

HMCS Montréal at Nhà Rồng Port, HCM City. — VNA/VNS Photo Thanh Vũ