Patrol vessel HMS Spey of the British Royal Navy arrived in Ho Chi Minh City on Tuesday, commencing a five-day friendship visit to the city on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the UK.

Captained by Commander Michael Proudman, this is the fourth British Royal Navy ship sent to Vietnam in the past five years.

The visit is an opportunity for the Royal Navy to strengthen its cooperation with Vietnamese partners and underlines the UK's unwavering commitment to promoting global stability and security in the Indo-Pacific region, Proudman stated.

UK Ambassador to Vietnam Iain Frew affirmed that defense and security cooperation between Hanoi and London is developing strongly, adding that the Southeast Asian country plays an important role in regional security.

The visit reaffirms the fact that the UK is one of Vietnam's most reliable and long-term partners in maritime security.

It takes place on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the two countries’ diplomatic relations, Frew continued, adding that the milestone marks half a century of good friendship and effective cooperation, including ties in defense and security.

The East Vietnam Sea is very important to global security as well as trade and supply chains, so the UK and other countries need to be concerned about what is happening here, the ambassador stressed.

During their stay, officers of the HMS Spey are expected to pay a courtesy visit to the leaders of the Ho Chi Minh City People's Committee, the 7th Military Region Command, and the 2nd Naval Command.

They will also participate in many activities including professional exchanges, friendly football matches, and cultural exchanges.

The crew will welcome students in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, and math) from British International School in Ho Chi Minh City onto their ship.

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