At the reception, General Chien thanked the UNDP for its active supports to and cooperation with the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense in fields of mutual concern, particularly in overcoming war-left consequences and participating in the U.N. peacekeeping operations. The Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense always treasures cooperation ties with the U.N., the UNDP, and other partners in overcoming war-left aftermaths, especially the consequences of unexploded ordnance (UXO) and Agent Orange (AO)/dioxin, he added. The cooperation has brought positive results to several Central provinces such as Quang Tri, Quang Binh, Quang Nam, Thua Thien Hue and the Northern province of Ha Giang, contributing to reducing the number of bomb and mine victims, expanding the area cleared from AO/Dioxin, and bringing a peaceful life to people.
According to the Vietnamese deputy defense minister, the UNDP, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), and international organizations have just deployed activities in the localities that severely affected by UXO. Vietnam wishes to enhance closer cooperation on not only on bomb and mine clearance but also on other action plans such as building peaceful villages and clean areas, he stressed.
General Chien affirmed that the Vietnamese Party, State, and Government attach much importance to accelerating goals of the national action program on overcoming the aftermath of bombs, mines and explosives left from the war in Vietnam, and hope that the UNDP, KOICA, and other international organizations will continue to join hands with and accompany the country in the field.
In turn, Ms. Kanni Wignaraja thanked the Vietnamese defense ministry for its support to and coordination with UNDP to implement the Korea-Vietnam Mine Action Project (KVMAP) in the 2018-2022 period, as well as to prepare procedures for approval of the Vietnam-Korea Peace Village project.
Regarding U.N. peacekeeping activities, General Chien affirmed that Vietnam has made significant achievements after eight years of participating in the U.N. peacekeeping mission.
He affirmed that Vietnam advocates deeper participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations, and hoped that UNDP in Vietnam will support and promote cooperation activities in the field and continue to work closely with the Vietnamese defense ministry to organize an international conference on women, peace and security in the fourth quarter of 2022.
Ms. Kanni Wignaraja spoke highly of Vietnam's commitment and achievements in participating in U.N. peacekeeping activities, saying she was impressed at the percentage of Vietnamese female soldiers participating in U.N. peacekeeping activities which is higher than the U.N.’s proposal. She affirmed that UNDP will continue to support Vietnam in overcoming consequences of war-time bombs, mines and UXO consequences, and strengthening Vietnam’s role in U.N. peacekeeping operations.
UNDP wishes to work closely with Vietnam and its defense ministry in these areas and share Vietnam's good experience with the world, she added.
Translated by Trung Thanh