Chinese naval forces visit Vietnam

HAI PHONG, VIETNAM, Dec. 4 (Xinhua) -- Two Chinese naval ships named Cheng Hai and Chao Yang arrived at Vietnam's northern Hai Phong port on Friday for a four-day visit to the country.

Zhang Leyi (3rd L), deputy commander of the South China Sea Fleet  logistic base of China and commander of a Chinese naval fleet, is welcomed by overseas Chinese and representatives of China-funded  enterprises in Hai-phong, Vietnam, Dec. 4, 2009. The Chinese naval fleet comprising of "Chenghai" and "Chaoyang" missile frigates  arrived in Hai-phong on Friday for a four-day visit to Vietnam.  (Xinhua/Li Qing)

Chinese naval forces on the ships were warmly welcomed by the naval forces of Vietnam, the embassy of China to Vietnam, and the municipal government and people of Hai Phong.

Speaking at the welcoming ceremony, Colonel Nguyen Huu Vinh, Vice Chief of Staff of Navy Forces of Vietnam said the visit of Chinese naval forces is the first one to Hai Phong.

The visit will help further enhance the cooperation between the two naval forces of the two countries, increase understanding, and promote traditional friendly relationship of Vietnam and China and peoples of the two countries, said Vinh.

Vinh said that the naval forces of Vietnam will increase cooperation and coordination with the Chinese naval forces to effectively conduct joint patrol on the Beibu Gulf, thus enhancing cooperation between the two countries' militaries.

Colonel Zhang Leyi, commander of the Chinese naval fleet visiting Vietnam said in an interview with Xinhua here on Friday that the friendly and cooperative relationship between Vietnamese and Chinese militaries is an important part of the two countries' relations.

Since 2006, the naval forces of China and Vietnam have coordinated with each other in conducting joint patrol on the Beibu Gulf, making important contribution to the security and stability in the region, said Zhang.

The first visit of Chinese naval forces to Hai Phong city of Vietnam is an important event in the exchange of visits of the two countries' naval forces, according to Zhang.

Zhang said that the visit offers a good opportunity for Chinese naval forces to understand more about Vietnamese culture and customs, thus promoting friendly relationship between the two countries and increasing mutual confidence.

The visit of the Chinese naval fleet to Vietnam is made following the eighth joint patrol of Vietnam and China on the Beibu Gulf.