Ho Chi Minh City will welcome HMAS Toowoomba for a port visit today as part of Australia’s flagship regional engagement activity, Indo-Pacific Endeavour (IPE).
IPE supports the Australian Government’s focus on deepening diplomatic and defence partnerships across Southeast Asia and the Northeast Indian Ocean, and reinforces Australia’s commitment to a peaceful, secure and prosperous region.
IPE 2023 will conduct activities with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, the Philippines, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Timor-Leste, Thailand and Vietnam.
During the visit to Vietnam the Commander and crew will meet with senior officers and sailors from the Vietnamese People’s Navy to engage in a range of goodwill activities, including professional experience sharing emergency medicine at sea and exchanges on ship operations including passage exercises and search and rescue.
The crew will also participate in a friendly sporting activity with cadets at the Naval Technical College.
Quotes attributable to Air Commodore Tony McCormack, Commander IPE23
“We are excited to return to Vietnam this year in honour of the 50th anniversary year of our diplomatic relationship.
“Vietnam is a critical regional partner for Australia and the friendship between our two countries has never been stronger.
“We have a shared interest in a peaceful, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific region with ASEAN at its centre.
“Our defence relationship, particularly education, training and peacekeeping, is strong, and we are keen to continue building on our success.
“The activities that are part of IPE 2023 will build friendships and understanding.”