Historic goodwill visit by South African Navy vessel to Colombo Port

Monday, 8 February 2016 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

spioenkop-at-sea Spioenkop at sea

The South African Ship (SAS) SPIOENKOP, one of four Valour Class frigates of the South African Navy, will pay a ‘goodwill visit’ to Sri Lanka. This is an historic first visit by a South African naval vessel to Sri Lanka since the advent of democracy in South Africa in 1994.

The SAS SPIOENKOP will participate in two events in India, namely the International Fleet Review, hosted by the Indian Navy in Vishakhapatnam from 3 to 9 February 2016; followed by the multinational Naval Exercise IBSAMAR, involving the navies of India, Brazil and South Africa, that will take place in Goa, India. En route between Vishakhapatnam and Goa, the South African Ship will call in Colombo Port over the period 12 to 15 February.

A reception will be hosted on board by the Officer Commanding, Captain M.A. Boucher, MMM on behalf of the Chief of the South African Navy, Vice Admiral M.S. Hlongwane, MMS, MMB. The Captain of SAS SPIOENKOP will pay a courtesy call on the Sri Lankan Commander Western Naval Area. The ship’s crew will play soccer and volleyball against Sri Lankan Navy teams. An ‘Open Day’ on board will be held for Sri Lankan Officer Trainees as well. Flag Officers from the South African Navy have attended the Galle Dialogue in Sri Lanka and participated in the Indian Ocean Naval Symposium (IONS). The two countries are increasingly active in the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA). There is however, as yet no Defence Attaché accredited or defence cooperation agreement between Sri Lanka and South Africa. The historic visit underlines the growing ties of friendship between the people of Sri Lanka and South Africa; and the evolving bilateral economic relations between the business communities.