Naval visit 'reinforces special UK-Malta relations '

A group of Royal and French navy warships are expected to arrive in Malta tomorrow for a four-day visit.

The amphibious assault ship HMS Bulwark and Type 23 frigates HMS Argyll and HMS Somerset will be joined by the French Navy frigate FS Dupleix for the visit.

The four ships are part of the Taurus 09 Task Group, aimed at maintaining the Royal Navy's fighting capabilities and at developing the UK's capacity to operate with key partners and allies from Nato countries and other nations. The task group is sailing in the Mediterranean, conducting exercises with the armed forces of different countries.

UK Amphibious Task Group commander Royal Navy Commodore Peter Hudson said such visits helped reinforce the special relationship between the UK and Malta.

"It is a real privilege for me to bring my group into Grand Harbour in Malta, a place where the Royal Navy has such strong historic and cultural links," Commodore Hudson said.

During their stay, the sailors from HMS Bulwark will present two dinghies to the Malta Sea Cadets, a gift from the Weymouth Sea Cadets.

About 200 Maltese scouts and their families are expected to tour the ship.

The Royal Navy sailors have volunteered to do maintenance work at Razzett tal-Ħbiberija and to support conservation projects organised through BirdLife Malta.

HMS Bulwark will be open for tours of the upper and vehicle decks on Saturday between 1 and 5 p.m.