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Major General Hoang Kim Phung delivering a report at the ceremony |
The event was chaired by Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of National Defense, Head of the Inter-sectoral Working Group, and Head of the Ministry of National Defense’s Steering Committee for the Participation in U.N. Peacekeeping Operations.
Speaking at the event, Major General Hoang Kim Phung, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO), said that up to now, Vietnam has sent 526 officers and employees (including 522 military and four public security officers) to U.N. peacekeeping missions and headquarters.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien handing over the President’s decision to seven officers to undertake U.N. peacekeeping task |
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien presenting flowers to congratulate four officers who have completed their term of office in the U.N. Mission in the Central African Republic |
According to the evaluation of U.N. missions and agencies, Vietnamese officers have made great efforts in performing their assigned tasks, demonstrating their professionalism, high discipline, creativity, and determination. Through practical contribution, Vietnamese peacekeepers have left many very good impressions on leaders of missions, commanding officers of military forces, and international colleagues.
This time, seven officers will undertake duties at U.N. missions in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, and Abyei.
Major General Hoang Kim Phung said that to well prepare forces for replacement, VNDPKO has actively selected officers with military capabilities and qualifications, broad knowledge about U.N. peacekeeping, good-command of foreign languages, and good health. In addition, the department organized training courses and pre-deployment training for the selected and sent them to participate in training courses in foreign countries basing on their future tasks to enhance their capabilities.
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Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien speaking at the event |
Speaking at the ceremony, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien shared the difficulties and hardships with Vietnamese peacekeepers, especially female ones, who have to work in difficult living conditions, severe weather, and dangerous areas. The deputy defense minister praised units and officers, including four comrades who have just finished their duties at the U.N. Mission in the Central African Republic, for their efforts and determination to complete assigned tasks.
On behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien asked the seven officers to thoroughly grasp and strictly implement the foreign policies of the Party, State, and military; bring into play the tradition of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force, the noble qualities of Uncle Ho's soldiers during their task performance; well perform their assigned responsibilities and tasks; comply with U.N. regulations and laws of the host country; pay attention to preserving unity; strive to overcome difficulties, build relationship with international colleagues and with local people, thus enhancing the quality and effectiveness of peacekeeping activities of Vietnam and deserving the trust of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense.
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Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Kim Tinh representing the deployed officers speaking at the event |
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An overview of the ceremony |
On behalf of the officers to undertake U.N. peacekeeping mission, Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Kim Tinh, who will work as a military observer cum commanding officer of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in South Sudan, expressed pride and honor to participate in the U.N. peacekeeping operations.
“We promise to be determined to excellently complete the tasks assigned by the U.N. and the Ministry of National Defense and ensure absolute safety in all aspects; actively and proactively build good relationship with local authorities and relevant agencies of the mission; strengthen dissemination to popularize the image of Vietnam, its people, and Uncle Ho's soldiers in the new era to international friends," said Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Kim Tinh.
Translated by Tran Hoai