Ship 20 began its journey to Makassar on May 28 after participating in the Sea Exercise, the final activity within the framework of the Langkawi International Maritime and Aerospace Exhibition, Malaysia (LIMA 2023).

As planned, within the framework of MNEK-4, officers and soldiers of Ship 20 and the Working Group will participate in activities such as international ship parades, street parades, multilateral naval exercises at sea, cultural, sports and culinary exchanges, etc.

Officers and soldiers of Ship 20 and the working delegation when the ship crossed the equator at 7:00 a.m. on May 31. Ship 20 is the first ship of Naval Region 3 to carry out a multilateral foreign affairs mission and cross the equator.

The Vietnamese flag flies alongside the Indonesian flag and the flag of the Vietnam People's Navy.

Ship 20 approaches anchorage.

Ship 20 anchored in Makassar, Indonesia.

Ships of countries participating in MNEK-4.

Lieutenant Colonel Bui Viet Luong (far right), Assistant to the Foreign Affairs Department of the Navy, and the working group agreed on the plan to participate in MNEK-4 with the Indonesian liaison officer.

The trip of Ship 20 and the Working Group to Malaysia and Indonesia aims to implement the guiding viewpoints of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense on international integration and defense diplomacy; continue to improve the ability to coordinate and cooperate in responding to common challenges in maritime security; consolidate and further strengthen the existing good friendship and cooperation between the Vietnam People's Army and the Vietnam People's Navy with the armies and navies of other countries.

News and photos: NGOC HUNG (from Makassar, Indonesia)