A guided missile frigate from the Australian navy has arrived in the central Vietnamese city of Da Nang to begin its official visit.

The Anzac-class frigate HMAS Ballarat of the Royal Australian Navy docked at Tien Sa Port in Da Nang on Sunday afternoon, commencing their five-day visit to the Vietnamese city.

During their stay, naval officers from the Australian vessel are scheduled to participate in cultural activities, friendly sports competitions, and joint exercises with their Vietnamese counterparts.

Speaking at the welcome ceremony, Colonel Nerolie McDonald, Australian Defense Attaché in Vietnam, stated that the HMAS Ballarat was the 23^rd vessel of the Australian naval force to visit Vietnam since the two nations established their defense cooperation in 1999.

The current port call is a great opportunity to fortify and diversify the ties, Col. McDonald said.

David Landon (R), commander of the HMAS Ballarat shakes hands with a representative of the Vietnam People’s Army and naval units in Da Nang on June 4, 2017. Photo: Tuoi Tre

Since 1999, the Royal Australian Navy has offered training to over 1,500 officers from the Vietnam People’s Army, he continued, adding that his home country is assisting Vietnam in preparing for United Nations peacekeeping missions.

Officers from the frigate are also excited to take part in the activities with their Vietnamese counterparts, he added.

The HMAS Ballarat is an Anzac-class guided missile frigate designed to fulfill air-defense missions, anti-submarine and surface warfare, as well as reconnaissance.

The vessel is equipped with a flight deck and can reach a maximum speed of 27 knots.

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