Vietnam’s engineering company welcomes UNISFA Force Commander

The Mission commander’s inspection of Highway Base went beyond assessing operational capacity; it signaled timely recognition for peacekeepers maintaining key transport routes. Beyond the formal welcome, the delegation was impressed by the camp's discipline. After five months of construction in harsh conditions, Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4 has achieved a remarkable transformation.

Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) reviews the guard of honor during the official welcoming ceremony at the Highway Base.

The camp reflects high professionalism, from its defensive positions to its technical areas. Notably, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year spirit was evident through handcrafted peach blossoms and traditional five-fruit trays, which impressed the new Force Commander.

Major General Shrestha remarked that “a well-organized living and working environment for troops is the foundation for sustaining long-term operational effectiveness, especially in a challenging area such as Abyei.”

During the session, the Force Commander prioritized the progress of upgrading "backbone routes" undertaken by Vietnam's engineering company, which are essential for mission-wide mobility and logistics during the dry season.

The Force Commander listens to a briefing by the unit’s leaders on the progress of key road projects.

Based on monitoring and technical assessments, Major General Shrestha praised the high quality of work by Vietnam’s "blue-beret" soldiers. He acknowledged their extraordinary collective effort while working relentlessly in extreme weather and red dust. The Force Commander emphasized that these vital transport routes serve as strategic corridors for local essential services and economic activity. He commended Engineering Company Rotation 4 for its professional competence and strict compliance with U.N. safety standards.

Major General Shrestha inspects the technical area of Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4.

The Force Commander’s praise served as a premier “certificate of capability” for the unit. His recognition of their “tireless dedication under harsh climatic conditions” deeply moved the peacekeepers. In response, Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4 pledged to uphold the highest standards for all tasks. For these soldiers, every safely maintained kilometer of road is a meaningful Lunar New Year gift for their homeland and proud families.

A firm handshake between the UNISFA Force Commander and the unit’s leaders

The visit concluded with firm handshakes filled with confidence and mutual respect. The Lunar New Year atmosphere at the Highway Base seemed warmer, not only because of the red hues of spring blossoms, but also thanks to the renewed spirit ignited by trust and recognition. In the coming year, built upon that trust, the roads of peace in Abyei will continue to be extended through the dedication and expertise of Vietnam’s “blue-beret” soldiers.

Translated by Chung Anh