A Chinese naval training ship named Zheng He arrived at the Vietnamese central Tien Sa port, at Danangcity on Tuesday, starting a five-day visit.

Chinese naval training ship "Zheng He" arrives at Tien Sa Port of Danang City, on Nov. 18, 2008, starting a five-day visit to Vietnam.[Xinhua Photo]

The trip is the first ever visit of a Chinese naval ship to Vietnam. It was warmly welcomed by Vietnamese army and government officials at the port.

Yang Junfei, commandant of Dalian Naval Academy, a prestigious academy of Chinese navy, met representatives from the Vietnamese side on the ship.

The significant visit would enhance the understanding and friendship between Chinese and Vietnamese armies, especially two navies, said Yang during the meeting.

"The visit will make positive contribution to pushing forward the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between two countries," he said.

Tien Sa port is one of the two major seaports in Danang. It is used for both civil and military purpose. In 2007, its freight throughput stood at 2.7 million tons.

Chinese naval training ship "Zheng He" arrives at Tien Sa Port of Danang City, on Nov. 18, 2008, starting a five-day visit to Vietnam. [Xinhua Photo]

(Xinhua News Agency November 19, 2008)