The United States has given six patrol boats to the Vietnamese Coast Guard, the U.S. embassy in Hanoi said on Thursday, amid warming ties between the former foes. The vessels are in addition to another six patrol boats and a high-endurance cutter provided to Vietnam by the United States last year. The move is the latest in increased security ties between Vietnam and the United States and follows a landmark visit by a US aircraft carrier to the country in early March. "The bilateral partnership between the United States and Vietnam continues to reach new heights," the embassy said in a statement. The Metal Shark "45 Defiant" patrol boat is manufactured in the United States by Gravois Aluminium Boats LLC.

Source: dna March 29, 2018 10:26 UTC