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Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense General Phan Van Giang sent a letter of commendation to the Vietnamese military personnel participating in earthquake relief operations in Venezuela. |
In the letter, General Giang noted that the disaster caused severe loss of life and widespread destruction. Upholding the Vietnamese tradition of compassion and mutual assistance, guided by the spirit that "Vietnam is a friend, a reliable partner, and an active and responsible member of the international community," responding to an appeal from Venezuela's Acting President and following directives from the Party and State's leaders, the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the Ministry of National Defense (MND) dispatched 82-strong search and rescue (SAR) contingent, along with rescue equipment, relief supplies, and service dogs, to assist the affected country.
He emphasized that despite the urgent deployment timeline, the long-distance mobilization, challenging living and working conditions, and continuing aftershocks that posed significant risks to the rescue force, the Vietnamese personnel demonstrated courage, professionalism, a strong sense of responsibility, determination, and the experience gained from previous overseas earthquake relief missions. Racing against time and making use of every available hour and minute, they worked closely with the host nation's authorities to carry out SAR operations.
The Vietnamese teams promptly deployed personnel, equipment, and rescue plans to conduct SAR operations, recovering dozens of victims from collapsed structures and handing them over to the Venezuelan authorities. At the same time, they have actively provided medical assistance at disaster sites while ensuring absolute safety throughout the mission.
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Vietnam's SAR team searches for earthquake victims on July 1 (local time). |
The Deputy Prime Minister and Defense Minister stated that these achievements vividly reflect the noble spirit of international solidarity, the tradition of the Vietnamese people, and the exemplary qualities of the "Uncle Ho's Soldiers" on the international stage.
General Giang stressed that the CMC and MND commended the contingent for its dedication and accomplishments. He called on the deployed personnel to continue upholding the Vietnam People's Army's tradition of "Determination to Fight, Determination to Win," strengthen unity and coordination; demonstrate greater determination, creativity, and resolve; save more lives; and ensure absolute safety throughout the mission.
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Members of the Vietnamese SAR contingent coordinate with local rescue forces at a search site. |
General Giang also expressed that the Vietnamese people, together with officers and soldiers in the whole military take pride in the contingent and stand firmly behind them. He concluded the letter by wishing all personnel good health, safety, happiness, and continued success in carrying out their mission.
Translated by Tran Hoai