DILI, 25 august 2023 (TATOLI) – British naval vessel HMS Spey has arrived in Dili Port for a three-day stay with the aim to deepen security ties with Timor-Leste.
The presence of the HMS Spey, equipped with a 30mm cannon and flight deck capable of accommodating a Merlin helicopter, will boost the ties between British and Timor-Leste navies to tackle a variety of security challenges and support nations against the impacts of climate change.
HMS Spey is on a five-year deployment to the Indo-Pacific region alongside her sister ship, HMS Tamar.
HMS Spey is the ‘greenest’, most environmentally friendly ship in the Royal Navy due to the catalytic converters fitted to the funnel uptakes to reduce CO2 emissions.
The ship recently conducted patrols to combat illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, as well as carrying out environmental surveys.
The new UK Ambassador to Timor-Leste, Dominic Jermey said the visit of the patrol vessel is a demonstration of the strengthening of the UK’s relationship with Timor-Leste.
“Building strong, enduring partnerships with Timor-Leste is at the heart of the UK’s mission here. HMS Spey is a physical demonstration of the UK’s commitment to deepening diplomatic, economic, and security ties with Timor-Leste and other countries in the Indo-Pacific region,” Ambassador Jermey said.
He said Timor-Leste matters to the UK because of its strategic location and its climate and economic vulnerability.
HMS Spey’s Commanding Officer Lt Cdr Matthew Millyard said: “The Royal Navy has not visited Dili for over 20 years, and the Ship’s Company and I are very excited to experience the culture of this beautiful country. This visit is also a great opportunity for us to take on the fresh stores and fuel we need to keep HMS Spey at sea on our mission operating throughout the Asia-Pacific region. We are very grateful for the hospitality shown by the Timorese people.”
In addition, HMS Spey welcomed aboard a group of local students, Timor-Leste’s Navy, and journalists to tour the Royal Navy’s greenest ship and gain insight into the ship’s navigation.
Journalist: Filomeno Martins
Editor: Nelia Borges
