The People’s Army Newspaper presents some reflections from international peacekeepers working with the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) troops at the UNISFA, compiled in collaboration with Logistics Officer Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Thi Thanh Loan and Community Affairs Officer, U.N. Police Force at the UNISFA Senior Captain Nguyen Lan Anh.
Brigadier General Ameer Muhammad Umrani (Pakistan), Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UNISFA:
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Brigadier General Ameer Muhammad Umrani, Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UNISFA (center) and Vietnamese female peacekeeping officers |
Brigadier General Ameer Muhammad Umrani shared that he has learned about Vietnam, its people, and its struggle for independence through many books and articles; and that Vietnam’s story is truly a shining example for all nations aspiring to peace.
According to the general, Vietnam’s history is filled with heroic individuals who sacrificed their lives for national independence and unity. In Pakistan, they also have a long history of struggle for independence with many heroic people. While he has studied many liberation movements in Asia and Africa, Vietnam’s journey stands out as unique. It embodies the determination of a nation willing to sacrifice everything from lives to resources to reclaim independence. Vietnam’s current development is a testament to the value of that unity and freedom.
The Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander of the UNISFA said that this is his first time working with Vietnamese colleagues under the U.N. flag. He can confidently say that they are professional, dynamic, and very active in both their assigned tasks and social activities. They are friendly to everyone. If someone asks about the Vietnamese team here, everyone would have only praise.
Major Anurag Kumar (India), Command and Staff Officer:
Major Anurag Kumar held that April 30, 1975 holds a special significance in the Vietnamese people’s hearts. It marks the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country. As an Indian officer serving with the VPA personnel in Abyei, he extended his heartfelt admiration and congratulations to his Vietnamese friends.
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Major Anurag Kumar and his wife during a trip to Vietnam |
His relationship with Vietnam goes beyond the professional realm. He has had the honor of visiting Vietnam twice, first out of curiosity and then out of love for the country.
Having studied Vietnamese history in detail, he deeply admires the nation’s path to liberation and unification. There are few parallels in modern history to the willpower and patriotism the Vietnamese people displayed during their fight for freedom. It was not superior technology but rather the unity and love for the homeland that enabled Vietnam to overcome some of the most powerful nations on the Earth.
He underlined that the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap, as well as their vision, humility, and strength of spirit, are deeply rooted in every Vietnamese soul. Their strategic brilliance and dedication offer enduring lessons, not only in military history but in every field of life.
Vietnam’s South Liberation and National Reunification Day is not only a celebration of victory. It is a reminder that no force is greater than the combined will of a united people. The lessons from Vietnam’s journey continue to light the way for those fighting oppression, injustice, and exploitation worldwide. It is a powerful message that freedom and peace can prevail, even in the harshest circumstances, when fought with conviction from the heart.
Working with Vietnamese friends at the UNISFA mission allows him to witness firsthand their resilience, discipline, and commitment, which are cultivated through generations of national struggle. Their professionalism leaves a strong impression, regardless of the field or the challenges faced.
He is proud of the growing relationship between the two countries. Their shared values of peace, cooperation, and mutual respect are the firm foundation of the enduring friendship. On this occasion of the Vietnam’s South Liberation and National Reunification Day, he expressed his deep admiration for a nation that has risen from the ashes of war to become a beacon of peace, unity, and progress. He also admires the Vietnamese people in the past and at present, who continue to preserve and promote the indomitable spirit of Vietnam, transcending all boundaries of culture, language, and race.
Lieutenant Colonel Bhupendra Godar, Commander of the Nepalese Support Unit:
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Lieutenant Colonel Bhupendra Godar, Commander of the Nepalese Support Unit and his Vietnamese colleague |
As an officer in the Nepalese Army, he would like to express his utmost respect and admiration for the VPA on the occasion of Vietnam’s South Liberation and National Reunification Day. The courage and determination of the Vietnamese people in their quest for freedom and national unity are truly remarkable.
He affirmed that Vietnam’s victory was achieved through discipline, planning, strategy, and the synergy of the people. These qualities are vividly present in the working style of the VPA officers here. Their dedication and sense of solidarity reflect the spirit that led a nation to peace and unity, making contribution to the global peacekeeping and development efforts.
He emphasized that Vietnam’s victory day is a powerful reminder of what unity and determination can achieve. It is a time to honor sacrifices made for peace and to recognize the impressive progress Vietnam has made since reunification. The lessons from Vietnam’s journey inspire not only its own people but also all of us who share the same ideals for a better world.
Translated by Minh Anh