(International) Mudansa – His Majesty’s Ship (HMS) Spey, the newest River-class Offshore Patrol Vessel of the Royal Navy, will be visiting Dili, Timor-Leste from August 25 to 27, 2023, to engage in cultural exchange activities with the Timor-Leste Navy and students from international schools.
This marks the first visit of a Royal Navy ship to Timor-Leste. HMS Spey is deployed for five years in the Indo-Pacific region alongside its sister ship, HMS Tamar. Working in collaboration with allies and partners, the ship aids in addressing various security challenges and assisting countries in mitigating the impacts of climate change.
HMS Spey is recognized as the ‘most environmentally friendly’ ship in the Royal Navy due to the catalytic converter installed in its funnel, which reduces CO2 emissions. Recently, HMS Spey conducted patrols to combat illegal fishing and conducted environmental surveys. On August 25th, Commander of HMS Spey, Lt Cdr Matthew Millyard, will welcome the newly appointed British Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Dominic Jermey, and His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta for an official reception aboard HMS Spey.
British Ambassador (Elect) to Timor-Leste Dominic Jermey stated: “Building strong and enduring partnerships with Timor-Leste is at the core of the UK’s mission here. HMS Spey represents the tangible commitment of the UK to deepen diplomatic, economic, and security relations with Timor-Leste and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region. I am delighted to say that HMS Spey is the most environmentally friendly ship in the Royal Navy and has collaborated with countries in this region on critical areas such as climate change. Timor-Leste is significant to the UK due to its strategic location, climate vulnerabilities, and economy. I look forward to welcoming our colleagues and stakeholders from Timor-Leste, including His Excellency President José Ramos-Horta, aboard HMS Spey.”
Commander of HMS Spey, Lt Cdr Matthew Millyard, said: “For the first time in twenty years, the Royal Navy has set foot in Dili, and we eagerly anticipate this visit. My ship’s crew and I are excited and eager to experience the rich culture of this beautiful nation firsthand. This visit also provides a great opportunity for us to secure the logistical and fuel supplies we need to keep HMS Spey at sea, carrying out our operations across the Asia-Pacific region. We are immensely grateful for the warm welcome shown by the people of Timor-Leste.”
PRESS RELEASE