Special flag-saluting ceremony in Central African Republic

The ceremony was chaired by the Mission Force Commander of the EUTM RCA, Brigadier General Nicolae-Gabriel OROS, and Chief of Staff of EUTM RCA, Colonel Francisco Javier ALVAREZ ROY.

The Vietnamese flag flying at the EUTM RCA Mission Headquarters

Speaking at the event, Colonel Vu Thi Lien showed her pride in the glorious history of the Vietnam People's Army over 80 years of building and development. She expressed her gratitude to the mission's leaders and international colleagues, who have always supported the two Vietnamese officers in fulfilling their tasks. She emphasized that they had made utmost efforts to spread the best values of the Vietnam People's Army to international friends.

Colonel Vu Thi Lien and Major Le Nhu Tien receiving noble awards after two years working at the EUTM RCA

Also at the ceremony, Brigadier General Nicolae-Gabriel OROS handed over the Central African Republic Medal to Colonel Vu Thi Lien and Major Le Nhu Tien; the E.U. Certificate of Merit to Colonel Vu Thi Lien; and a certificate of appreciation to Major Le Nhu Tien.

An overview of the flag-saluting

The general emphasized the important role of Vietnam in sending military officers to participate in the EUTM RCA Mission, confirming that this was a vivid demonstration of the good cooperative relations between Vietnam and the E.U., working toward the common goal of peace, stability, and sustainable development. In particular, he wished the two Vietnamese officers a safe journey back to Vietnam in Vietnamese.

Colonel Vu Thi Lien shared that this was not only an event to celebrate the 80th foundation anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army but also a special occasion for the two Vietnamese officers to bid farewell to their colleagues. This was the last flag-saluting ceremony for them before returning to Vietnam.

The two Vietnamese officers and leaders of the mission in a joint photo

During the two years at the mission, the two Vietnamese officers received many noble awards from the Central African Republic and the E.U. Notably, Director of the Military Planning and Conduct Capability of the European External Action Service sent a Letter of Commendation to the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense, praising the outstanding contribution of Colonel Vu Thi Lien during her international mission at the EUTM RCA.

Translated by Quynh Oanh