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Vietnamese engineering forces work under intense heat and dust storms to build durable gravel roads ahead of the rainy season. |
Most notably, following direct recommendations from local authorities, the third commendation letter was elevated to the national level and signed on behalf of the President of the Republic of South Sudan by the Minister of the Presidential Affairs Office. Behind this diplomatic milestone are infrastructure projects completed ahead of schedule, helping transform daily life in the black clay lands of Abyei.
The professionalism and resilience of Vietnam’s blue berets are reflected not in words, but in measurable results on the ground. The clearest example is the restoration of the vital Abyei–Agok road, recently handed over after completion.
Faced with a 37-kilometer route across difficult black cotton soil and an earthwork volume exceeding 300,000 cubic meters, the Engineering Company Rotation 4 adopted a nonstop working approach. Operating from dawn to dusk, including weekends and holidays, the unit completed the 10-to-14-meter-wide road in just 85 days, surpassing the schedule by 35 days.
The speed and quality of construction by the Vietnamese peacekeepers significantly improved transportation conditions in the region and earned high praise from international officials. Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, Force Commander of UNISFA, said, “Since the mission was established in 2011, this is the most meaningful and largest-scale project ever carried out for the community. The completion of this road is an unprecedented achievement that opens opportunities for infrastructure connectivity and enhanced regional security. The efforts of Engineering Company Rotation 4 truly deserve outstanding recognition.”
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Representatives of local authorities inspect and acknowledge the unit’s infrastructure construction progress. |
The roads and bridges built by the Vietnamese engineering force not only support United Nations operations but also directly improve livelihoods for local residents. These practical contributions and dedicated efforts earned the strong trust of local authorities.
Previously, the Abyei administration had twice sent letters of commendation to Engineering Company Rotation 4. However, recognizing the unit’s significant contributions to the region’s socio-economic development, local authorities took the rare step of formally recommending the Vietnamese peacekeepers to the Government of South Sudan for national recognition.
Explaining the decision, Justice Charles Jok, Chief Administrator of the Abyei Special Administrative Area, said, “What the Vietnamese Engineering Company has accomplished is not merely the construction of roads, but the opening of lifelines of hope and survival. Your dedication has touched the hearts of local residents. We submitted our recommendation to the Government of South Sudan because we believe these noble contributions, exceptional capabilities, and selfless compassion deserve recognition at the highest level.”
That trust has now become a significant diplomatic milestone. On the occasion of the 136th anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh’s birth (May 19, 1890 – 2026), Engineering Company Rotation 4 received its third letter of commendation. On behalf of the Government and people of South Sudan, Africano Mande Gedima, Minister of the Presidential Affairs Office, signed the official letter sent to the Vietnamese peacekeepers.
The letter stated, “The Vietnamese engineers have distinguished themselves with unparalleled professionalism, discipline and unwavering commitment to the mission. Their masterful restoration and augmentation of critical infrastructure-roads, bridges, and relevant essential facilities have ignited transformative socio-economic advancement, enhanced connectivity, and fortified regional stability and development.”
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The letter of appreciation from the Minister of the Presidential Affairs Office of South Sudan stands as recognition of the outstanding contributions made by Engineering Company Rotation 4. |
Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Van Cong, Political Officer of Engineering Company Rotation 4, said the three letters of commendation were a great honor for the unit, but the greatest reward remained the visible improvements in local life and the peaceful smiles of Abyei residents.
He affirmed that the unit would continue fulfilling its mission with determination, uphold the qualities of “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers,” and successfully carry out the responsibilities entrusted by the Party and the State in United Nations peacekeeping operations so that the name “Vietnam” would continue to symbolize peace in the region.
Through intelligence, determination, and discipline, Vietnam’s peacekeepers continue to affirm the country’s capability, professionalism, and reputation in the international arena.
Translated by Tran Hoai