| James Kon |
THE strong defence ties between France and Brunei Darussalam received a boost with a goodwill visit by the French frigate Vendémiaire in Brunei Darussalam from March 7 until today.
Commander Alexander Blonce, the Commanding Officer of FNS Vendémiaire, paid a courtesy call on the Acting Commander of the Royal Brunei Armed Forces and the Commander of the Royal Brunei Navy (RBN), First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi bin Pengiran Haji Muhammad.
Accompanying Commander Alexander Blonce was Christian Ramage, the Ambassador of France to Brunei Darussalam. Both sides commended the good bilateral navy-to-navy relations between Brunei Darussalam and France.
FNS Vendémiaire participated in professional exchanges and interactions, where both navy personnel had the opportunity to share experiences and knowledge, and fostered friendship and camaraderie.
The French Navy also hosted a reception onboard FNS Vendémiaire at the RBN Base in Muara. The guest of honour was First Admiral Pengiran Dato Seri Pahlawan Norazmi.
Senior officials representing the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Brunei Police Force were also present.
Today, the French Navy will conduct a Passage Exercise (PASSEX) with KDB Darussalam before setting sail to her next port of call in Manila, the Republic of Philippines.
