The program was part of practical activities to mark the 81st founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army, while also reflecting the humanitarian spirit and compassion of the Uncle Ho’s soldiers.
With hundreds of practical gift packages, including essential goods, school supplies, and clothing, handed to residents and schoolchildren, the program conveyed the warmth and goodwill of the Vietnamese people and the Vietnamese blue berets.
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Lt. Col. Nguyen Van Cong presents gifts to representative of the local community. |
The gifts also included clothing donated and sent by people in Vietnam. Representing the donors was Pham Hai Ly, who traveled from Vietnam to Abyei to take part in the program and personally present the gifts to local residents. Through this act, she helped spread Vietnam’s long-standing tradition of mutual support and solidarity, making a modest contribution to improving lives of people of Abyei.
According to Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Son, Deputy Head of Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4, the program was held with the utmost respect and heartfelt affection. Each gift is not only material assistance but also a message of companionship and friendship. “We are committed to continuing our support, building and strengthening a lasting relationship between the people of Abyei and the Vietnamese blue-berets,” said Col. Son.
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Lt. Col. Tran Thanh Son, Deputy Head of Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4, presents gifts to schoolchildren. |
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The joy of Abyei’s children |
The bond between the military and civilians in Abyei continues to be nurtured by Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4 on a solid foundation of practical and effective support for local residents. In less than three months since assuming its mission, the unit has not only excellently fulfilled tasks assigned by the Mission, but has also promptly addressed several critical bottlenecks in Abyei’s weak infrastructure system. A notable example is the repair and upgrading of the vital Banton Bridge, the sole arterial transport route with decisive significance for security as well as the economic and social life of the entire area.
Witnessing the care and dedication shown by the Vietnamese blue-berets toward the local population over time, Catholic priest Archangelo Michael, representative of the Catholic Church in Abyei and of the local community, expressed his profound gratitude, “In the Vietnamese soldiers, we see not only a protective force, but also unconditional love expressed through concrete actions. You have brought our children not only books and supplies, but also a firm belief in a brighter future. Thanks to this close bond, people of Abyei regard the Vietnamese soldiers as family members and trusted companions.”
For residents of Abyei, whose lives remain fraught with hardships, these were truly precious gifts with immense spiritual value. They expressed deep emotion at being “remembered” and “cared for” by kind-hearted friends, bearing sincere affection from Vietnam.
Translated by Tran Hoai