VietNamNet Bridge – On the morning of December 18, the heavyweight destroyer HMS Daring of the British Royal Navy docked the Tien Sa Port in Da Nang City, starting a 4-day visit to Vietnam on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of Vietnam-UK diplomatic relations.

HMS Daring’s visit to Vietnam to mark the close of the program to celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries, to strengthen defense ties between the two sides, to confirm the role of Southeast Asia and Vietnam to the UK in the future, to showcase technological strengths of the UK as well as the country to Vietnam to promote bilateral cooperation.

HMS Daring is the lead ship of the Type 45 or Daring-class air-defense destroyers built for the British Royal Navy, and the seventh ship to hold that name. She was launched in 2006 on the Clyde and conducted contractor's sea trials during 2007 and 2008. She was handed over to the British Royal Navy in December 2008, entered her base port of Portsmouth for the first time in January 2009 and was formally commissioned on 23 July 2009. As the lead ship of the first destroyer class built for the British Royal Navy since the Type 42 in the 1970s, she has attracted significant media and public attention. Her name, crest and motto are a reference to the Roman youth Gaius Mucius Scaevola, famed for his bravery.

British Ambassador to Vietnam Antony Stokes highlighted the visit, saying that it brings together all elements of bilateral broad and deep relationship, including enhanced mutual prosperity, stronger defence and security engagement. "I hope it helps us to build on these themes and to strengthen our relationship in the years to come," he added.  

During her time in Da Nang, the meeting of the defense working groups of the two countries will take place on the deck, focusing on understanding and strengthening military cooperation between the two sides. The crew will also attend a series of on-shore activities including volleyball friendlies with the Vietnam Navy, visiting orphanages and performing parade music in downtown Da Nang.

They are also expected to join in a closing ceremony of an English-language course on peacekeeping held by the British Council for six Vietnamese air forces and marine police officers.

The visit will run until December 21.

HMS Daring's visit to Vietnam ends a year with many joint activities between Vietnam and the UK, to implement the strategic partnership agreement which was signed in 2010. Along with the appointment of Colonel Tim Below as the new defense attaché in Vietnam, the ship’s visits marks the development in defense ties between the two countries.

Some photos of the ship:

VNA/VNE