Annually, the exchange program serves as a meaningful early Tet gift from the homeland to the blue-beret peacekeeping officers. It is co-organized by the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations and the Military Broadcasting Center.
Deputy Defense Minister Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, and representatives of the Ministry of National Defense, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of Public Security, among others, attended the event.
On behalf of the Central Military Commission and leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security, Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan extended Tet greetings to all peacekeeping officers. He highlighted the program as an opportunity to share warm sentiments with Vietnam’s blue-beret officers abroad and hailed their contribution to U.N. peacekeeping operations, promoting the image of “Uncle Ho’s soldiers” and Vietnam’s humanitarian spirit.
During the program, participants witnessed warm Tet celebrations of Vietnamese blue-beret peacekeepers abroad. Despite being far from home, they shared festive moments with comrades and international friends, setting aside their own happiness to serve their noble international mission. The program also shared touching stories of mothers and wives who have been supporting peacekeeping officers to perform their meaningful duties.
The story of the first father and son together to join the U.N. peacekeeping mission has inspired generations to dedicate themselves to the cause of peacekeeping operation. Senior Colonel Mai Hop served two terms in South Sudan as Deputy Director of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotations 2 and 5. Now, his son, Non-commissioned Second Lieutenant Mai Tien Dung is carrying on the mission under the Vietnamese Engineering Company Rotation 3 in Abyei.
From New York, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the U.N., highlighted Vietnam’s achievements in U.N. peacekeeping operations. He noted that the U.N. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations has expressed deep gratitude and praised the meaningful contribution, responsibility, and creativity of Vietnam’s peacekeeping officers.
    |
 |
|
Delegates, artists, and children in a joint photo at the event |
From South Sudan, Brigadier General William Ryarasa, Commander of Sector Unity, highly valued Vietnamese Level-2 Field Hospital for showing the capabilities of Vietnamese military medical force in local challenging environment. He praised the tireless efforts of the hospital’s staff, especially in difficult and urgent situations.
From Abyei, a representative of the Abyei Administrative Area expressed his delight at being invited to participate in preparations for Vietnam’s traditional Tet holiday. He underscored the meaningful support from Vietnam as there are many challenges facing Abyei. “Thank you, Vietnam, for sending your peacekeepers to our area!” he added.
Translated by Minh Anh