MOSCOW, October 29. /TASS/. The crew of the Russian Navy’s Baltic Fleet training ship Perekop, currently docked at the port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo, took part in events designed to strengthen naval cooperation with the Congolese Navy, the fleet’s press service reported.

"During a business call by the Baltic Fleet’s training ship Perekop at the port of Pointe-Noire in the Republic of the Congo, a series of events was held to strengthen bilateral naval cooperation and develop friendly ties between Russia and the Congo," the press service stated.

It added that demonstration exercises were organized for Congolese Navy personnel on shipboard damage control and the provision of first aid to simulated casualties. Russian sailors demonstrated the procedures for responding to emergency situations and providing first aid. A thematic exhibition dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the Russian Navy’s submarine forces - prepared by the United Shipbuilding Corporation for the Perekop’s long-distance voyage - was displayed alongside the ship at the pier.

Russia’s Charge d’Affaires in the Republic of the Congo Sofia Sitnikova viewed the exhibition, which was presented to her by the voyage commander, Rear Admiral Vyacheslav Sytnik. In addition, during its stay in the Congo, the Russian delegation met with the deputy mayor of Pointe-Noire, as well as with Brigadier General Fred Nianga, commander of the First Military Zone.

Twelve cadets from the Republic of the Congo boarded the Perekop training ship to undergo practical training. The commander of the Republic of the Congo’s Navy addressed them with words of encouragement. Currently, cadets from the Admiral Ushakov Baltic Naval Institute are undergoing navigation training aboard the Perekop. Along with the Russian cadets, foreign military personnel from the Republic of Namibia who are studying naval affairs in Russia are also participating in the voyage (cadets from the Center for Foreign Military Personnel Training at the Admiral N.G. Kuznetsov Naval Academy).

The Perekop training ship’s long-distance voyage began in early July and will last until mid-December. In total, the ship is set to cover approximately 30,000 nautical miles. Its route passes through the Northern Sea Route, four oceans, 14 seas, 23 straits, and nine gulfs. According to the deployment schedule, the ship is due to visit 11 ports in foreign countries.