MercoPress. South Atlantic News Agency

HMS Cardiff visits Valparaiso.

South Atlantic Patrol Task HMS Cardiff is scheduled to arrive Friday afternoon in Valaparaíso, Chile's main port, where she's expected to remain until September 15.

HMS Cardiff is on her way back to the United Kingdom after having completed her six months tour including three months of duty at the Falkland Islands.

According to the Chilean press soon after arrival Commander Mike Beardall accompanied by British Military Attaché Colonel Iain Campbell will be visiting Chilean naval authorities and local elected officials.

Over the weekend the T 42 destroyer crew will hold sport competitions with their Chilean counterparts and will host a party for children from a local Home.

The Chilean press underlined the long standing links between the Chilean and Royal navies and the fact that Britain and Chile are close allies.

Britain historically has been the Chilean navy's main supplier of vessels and equipment and last week celebrated the first anniversary of the incorporation of the frigate "Almirante Williams" former HMS Sheffield in the framework of a several years modernization program of the surface fleet. September 5 last year, in Davenport, Plymouth the Chilean flag was first hoisted in "Almirante Williams".

HMS Cardiff's call coincides with the presence in Valparaíso of two Argentine corvettes, ARA Parker and ARA Rosales which are travelling with the Argentine Navy's 2004 cadet promotion in their final world instruction tour.

The two corvettes are replacing the traditional tall mast Argentine Navy school vessel "Libertad" which is currently undergoing a year of maintenance and repairs.