PLA naval task force wraps up visit to West Africa

The 43rd Chinese naval escort task force ended its visit to the Republic of the Congo on Tuesday, completing a visit to five West African countries, according to a report in the People's Liberation Army Daily.

During the visit to the Republic of the Congo, commanders and representatives of the task force visited senior Congolese military and local officials, including the deputy chief of staff of the country's armed forces, and the mayor of Pointe-Noire.

The task force also invited representatives from the Republic of the Congo Navy to visit the CNS Sanya.

Naval officers and sailors from both sides held exercises and tactical discussions on counterterrorism and combating piracy, as well as friendly events including basketball and football.

In addition, the task force's medical team ran a free clinic in conjunction with the 29th Chinese aid medical team at Brazzaville Hospital in Pointe-Noire.

Following departure, the task force conducted exercises covering counterterrorism, combating piracy and search and rescue, with escort boats belonging to the Republic of the Congo Navy.