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Gen. Tan, his entourage and CECOPAC leaders in a group photo |
Colonel Anando Adrian Pazalacqua, Director of CECOPAC, briefed the guest on the center’s activities and achievements in recent years.
Established in 2002 under the Chilean Ministry of Defense, CECOPAC is tasked with training military, police, and civilian personnel for United Nations peacekeeping operations, while also conducting research and providing policy recommendations related to peacekeeping activities. With over 20 years of experience, the center has trained more than 21,800 domestic and international trainees, and organized numerous pre-deployment and advanced training courses on subjects such as civilian protection, humanitarian assistance, logistics supplies, police operations, and military observer duties.
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Gen. Tan talks to Colonel Anando Adrian Pazalacqua |
Colonel Pazalacqua expressed his wish to soon visit the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VNDPKO) and work with its training center to explore possibilities for cooperation in peacekeeping training in the near future.
Gen. Tan affirmed that U.N. peacekeeping is a potential area of cooperation strongly supported by the two countries’ senior leaders. This was also highlighted in the Memorandum of Understanding on bilateral defense cooperation signed in 2024.
The Vietnamese guest emphasized that the two sides share many similarities in development orientation and can share experience and support each other to enhance capacity in peacekeeping participation. On this occasion, he also shared updates on Vietnam’s participation and achievements in U.N. peacekeeping operations.
During the visit, VNDPKO Director Major General Pham Manh Thang introduced the department and informed that the VNDPKO is finalizing preparations for the U.N. staff officer course (UNSOC), which is scheduled to be officially recognized by the U.N. in January 2026.
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Gen. Thang presents a souvenir to Colonel Anando Adrian Pazalacqua. |
In their discussions, both sides agreed to further promote cooperation between CECOPAC and the VNDPKO’s Training Center, aiming to build a sustainable and effective cooperation program. The visit to CECOPAC by the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense delegation reaffirmed both sides’ determination to strengthen substantive and effective cooperation in U.N. peacekeeping operations, positively contributing to peace and stability in the region and the world.
Translated by Mai Huong