Australian Chief of Navy, Vice Admiral Tim Barrett, recently wrapped up a busy inaugural visit to Vietnam where he met a number of government and military officials across the country.
Flying into the north of Vietnam after a one-day visit to Japan, where he met his Japanese counterpart Admiral Kawano, Chief of Navy held meetings with the Vietnamese Vice Minister of Defence and Chief of General Staff, Senior Lietenant General Do Ba Tee, and Australian Ambassador Mr Hugh Borrowman.
After leaving Hanoi, he flew to Ho Chi Minh City where he attended a Bilateral Counterpart meeting with Admiral Nguyen Van Hien followed by an official reception at Southern Navy Headquarters.
Vice Admiral Barrett’s visit to Ho Chi Minh City coincided with a port visit by HMAS Larrakia (Attack Four embarked), and said Vietnam was an important partner for Australia both in terms of naval and diplomatic ties.
“Already we have achieved some memorable milestones, both in terms of submarine rescue training and the training of Vietnamese personnel within the Australian Defence Force.
“We have been made to feel most welcome during our visit to Vietnam and I am sure the spirit of cooperation that we have been fostering over the past few years will continue to develop into the future,” Vice Admiral Barrett said.
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Press Release, September 30, 2014; Image: Australian Navy