KIEV, April 5 (Xinhua) -- The missile boat Pryluky of the Ukrainian Naval Forces and the HMCS Toronto of the Royal Canadian Navy held a joint passing exercise in the Black Sea, the Ukrainian Defense Ministry said in a statement Friday.
During the drills, the two vessels conducted joint tactical maneuvers, artillery firing exercises and a series of trainings with the aviation of the Ukrainian Navy, the statement said.
The drills are aimed at strengthening stability and security in the Black Sea region, it said.
Canada's Halifax-class frigate HMCS Toronto entered the Black Sea as part of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Standing Maritime Group 2 (SNMG2) on March 28 and arrived at Ukraine's Black Sea port of Odessa on April 1.
The ships of the SNMG2 are set to participate in major joint exercises with ships of the Ukrainian Navy and Georgian Navy named "Sea Shield 2019" in the Black Sea.
