China-Africa: Shanghai receives first African warship
South African navy officers receive flowers as their frigate SAS SPIOENKOP arrives at the Yangtze River wharf in Shanghai, in eastern China on Thursday afternoon, October 16th, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]
The South African Navy’s escort ship SAS SPIOENKOP, led by Rear Admiral Higgs, arrived at the Yangtze River wharf Thursday afternoon, marking the first visit to China by an African warship.
As one of the activities marking the 10th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Africa diplomatic ties, the warship’s visit was warmly welcomed by China.
“It’s honorable to visit China as representative of South Africa’s Navy.I believe this visit will consolidate friendship between the two countries the armed forces and the peoples,” Higgs said at the welcoming ceremony.
South African officers and sailors walk off their frigate SAS SPIOENKOP, which arrived in Shanghai on Thursday, October 16th, 2008. The crew plan to stay in Shanghai for five days. [Photo: Xinhuanet]
During their five-day stay in Shanghai, the South African soldiers will play a friendly football game with their Chinese counterparts, and visit the Oriental Pearl Television Tower as well as the Shanghai Urban Planning Exhibition Center.
The escort ship will open for public viewing on Oct.19, according to sources.
The South African Navy’s frigate SAS SPIOENKOP arrives at the Yangtze River wharf in Shanghai, in eastern China on Thursday afternoon, October 16th, 2008. [Photo: Xinhuanet]
“This is a trip to return the visit China’s navy made to South Africa eight years ago. The visit took place on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of two states’ relationship, and was aimed at enhancing the friendship,” the South African ambassador to China Ndumiso N. Ntshinga said.
The visiting warship was put into active service in March 2006. It is 121 meters long, 16.34 meters wide, and is one of the most sophisticated warships in South Africa’s navy fleet. There are 115 officers and soldiers aboard.
(XINHUA)