Through a documentary and stories shared by the participants, the event spread the powerful message of unity that the Vietnam Coast Guard aimed to convey to international partners.
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Artistic performances at the event |
As an initiative by the Vietnam Coast Guard, the “Vietnam Coast Guard and Friends” program is aimed at actualizing the foreign policies of the Party and State and the Central Military Commission and Ministry of National Defense's principles and strategies on international cooperation and defense diplomacy. This program is not only a significant diplomatic activity but also a valuable opportunity to foster mutual understanding and trust between the Vietnam Coast Guard and regional maritime law enforcement forces. It serves as a platform for these forces to express consensus and strong determination to enhance the effectiveness of cooperation across various fields.
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Representatives of participating law enforcement forces showing the spirit of solidarity |
The first edition has delivered practical results, paving the way for long-term cooperation opportunities among law enforcement forces. Building on the outcomes of the first exchange, the Vietnam Coast Guard has fostered collaborative activities in 2023 and 2024 with maritime law enforcement forces in the region and the world. Noteworthy achievements include the signing of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with the Philippine Coast Guard and Thai Maritime Enforcement Command Center (Thai-MECC). The Vietnamese coast guard force conducted eight joint patrols with the Chinese Coast Guard and held the third Vietnam - China Young Coast Guard Officers Exchange in Vietnam in 2023. Notably, the Vietnam Coast Guard and the maritime law enforcement forces have consistently maintained information sharing and collaboration to address maritime incidents, including search and rescue missions, crime prevention, and efforts to combat illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.
The "Vietnam Coast Guard and Friends" program has delivered a clear message that Vietnam is ready to join hands with governments, peoples, and functional forces of other nations to foster a peaceful, friendly, stable, cooperative, and prosperous maritime region.
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Vietnamese defense leaders present flower to representatives of participating law enforcement forces. |
At the event, Commander of the Vietnam Coast Guard Lieutenant General Le Quang Dao expressed hope that through the second edition, the understanding, unity, and collaboration among maritime law enforcement forces of participating nations will be enhanced. He highlighted the importance of joint efforts, especially in maritime search and rescue operations, to minimize human and material losses caused by natural disasters or accidents. Such cooperation, he noted, would help establish a stable, secure, and safe maritime environment, serving as a reliable foundation for lawful economic activities at sea.
The Gala also featured a documentary looking back the effective and practical cooperative activities among regional maritime law enforcement forces, with a focus on effective search and rescue operations. During the event, Vietnam Coast Guard officers shared their stories about the time that they risked their lives to save fishermen during life-threatening maritime emergencies.
Despite language and culture barrier, the participating law enforcement forces from Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Philippines, Thailand, and Vietnam share a common spirit of dedication, responsibility, and courage in tackling non-traditional maritime challenges. This spirit was prominently displayed in the program's second edition, themed "Cooperation in Maritime Search and Rescue."
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Performances at the event |
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Delegates and artists in a joint photo |
The event is an opportunity for regional maritime law enforcement forces to exchange experience, share methods, and strengthen their collaborative framework for effective maritime search and rescue operations. It emphasized the importance of timely information sharing and collective action to support international humanitarian efforts, address natural disasters, and handle maritime emergencies across the region.
Translated by Tran Hoai