French Navy’s Mistral-class amphibious assault ship and Courbet frigate joined a Vietnam’s High Command of Naval Zone 2 ship in an exercise on April 21^st , as part of their week-long friendship visit (April 15 – 21) to the country. The French battleships and Vessel 15 of the Brigade 171 practiced the code of conduct for unplanned encounters at sea, communication, search and rescue and tactical skills off the southern coastal province of Ba Ria-Vung Tau.

Assault ship Mistral of French Navy

During the trip of Mistral ship and Courbet frigate, Mr. Bruno Angelet, Ambassador - Head of Delegation of the European Union was on board the Mistral with French Ambassador Lortholary in Vung Tau, southern Vietnam.

Mr. Bruno Angelet, Ambassador - Head of Delegation of the European Union was on board the Mistral with French Ambassador Lortholary in Vung Tau, southern Vietnam.

The Mistral is an impressive helicopter-carrier from the French Navy crossing Vietnamese waters on the way to Japan. On board, Ambassador Lortholary and Ambassador Bruno Angelet spoke to French and other European officers about France, the EU and their partnerships in Asia, in particular with Vietnam. The EU being the biggest trader with and investor in Asia has a particular interest in peace and stability in Asia. They also spoke about the importance of the European Security and Defense Policy, combining forces and capabilities of Member States and EU institutions. The visit of the Mistral to Asia, with also men and equipment of other European nations, underlines Europe's interests and values.
The three-hour joint exercise was done as per international marine regulations, aiming to boost the cooperative relations and understanding between the Vietnamese and French navies.