The French naval cruiser Le Vendémiaire, carrying 92 naval officers and crew members, will be arriving at Da Nang’s Tien Sa Port on Saturday to begin an official visit to the city from 15 - 19 November.

After a welcome ceremony, representatives from the municipal authorities and military officials will be invited on board to tour the ship.

During their 5-day stay in Da Nang, the French officers and sailors will lay a wreath at the city’s French-Spanish cemetery near the port, and play friendly volleyball matches against Zone 3 Naval High Command.  In addition, they will also pay a courtesy visit to the city’s leaders, and will visit some popular local tourist attractions. 

French cruiser Le Vendémiaire (Photo: tinmoi.vn)

In particular, on 19 November the French guests will join with the Zone 3 naval force to practise search and rescue training activities at sea before the ship leaves for its home base.

This is the third time that a French cruiser has visited Da Nang.  The visit is part of this year’s bilateral defence cooperation programme between Viet Nam and France.  It will help to foster and strengthen the bilateral friendship and mutual understanding and trust between the 2 countries, which will contribute to promoting their strategic partnership.

Put into operation in 1993, the 93.5-metre long Vendémiaire mainly patrols French seas and carries out humanitarian and evacuation missions when needed.