The Jean de Vienne, an anti-submarine frigate of the French Navy, started an unofficial visit to the port of Sevastopol on July 13.
The press center of the Ukrainian Navy’s command told Interfax-Ukraine that on the first day of their stay in Sevastopol, the crewmembers of the French vessel, headed by its commander Laurent Hemmer, had visited the headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy where they met with the head of the personnel department of the headquarters of the Ukrainian Navy’s command, Rear Admiral Ihor Tymchuk.
The delegation of the frigate’s crew was accompanied by the defense attache of the French Embassy in Ukraine, Alexis Willer.
French sailors said they were satisfied with a hospitable reception in Sevastopol.
"We are delighted to visit the city with a heroic past for the first time. Our countries have much in common, in particular, some moments in our history. Also, this city is important for us, because tomorrow, on July 14, we will celebrate here a French national holiday – Bastille Day," Hemmer said.
Tymchuk, in turn, noted that the relations between the French and Ukrainian navies were strengthening every year, as evidenced by the constant visits of ships to the ports of each country, joint participation in international events as part of the Partnership for Peace program, and the training of Ukrainian sailors on board French vessels.
"I hope that such cooperation will continue to strengthen the relations between our peoples," he said.
The Jean de Vienne will leave the port of Sevastopol on July 16.
