New Zealand Navy’s largest vessel docks in Ho Chi Minh City

The visit comes as Vietnam and New Zealand celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations, a milestone that follows the elevation of their bilateral ties to a comprehensive strategic partnership during Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s official visit to Vietnam in February.

A welcoming ceremony was attended by New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford, representatives of the 2nd Regional Command of the Vietnam People's Navy, the Military Region 7 Command, and the Ho Chi Minh City Department of External Relations.

Commanding Officer Rob Welford underlined that New Zealand cherishes Vietnam and the Asia-Pacific region.

The visit was agreed upon by the two nations’ defense leaders during the IISS Shangri-La Dialogue 2025 in Singapore in May, demonstrating a joint effort to strengthen mutual understanding, promote defense cooperation, and reinforce friendship between the two countries.

“This visit represents our strong and enduring commitment to engagement in the region, as well as our adherence to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS),” Welford said.

During its stay, the HMNZS Aotearoa crew was set to pay courtesy visits to the Ho Chi Minh City People’s Committee, the Military Region 7 Command, and the 2nd Regional Command.

The sailors will also take part in cultural and sports exchanges, sightseeing activities, and CUES (Code for Unplanned Encounters at Sea) exercises with the Vietnam People’s Navy.

Ambassador Beresford expressed her delight at welcoming the vessel to Ho Chi Minh City, calling it a powerful symbol of the deep and enduring partnership between New Zealand and Vietnam over the past five decades.

At 173.2 meters long, 24.5 meters wide, and displacing 26,000 tonnes, HMNZS Aotearoa, the largest ship operated by the Royal New Zealand Navy, provides logistical support for naval operations.

It is also designed to carry out humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions.