Vietnam strengthens peacekeeping cooperation with France, New Zealand

At the opening of the four-wheel drive training course

Taking place from October 13 to 24, the course equips trainees with theoretical knowledge and practical skills in driving, towing, maintenance, and repair of off-road vehicles. It aims to ensure that the trainees can effectively perform their duties during individual deployments to U.N. missions. The training also helps strengthen friendship and practical cooperation in U.N. peacekeeping operations between Vietnam and France.

With both theoretical lessons and hands-on driving practice, the course sees the participation of three experienced instructors from the French Armed Forces.

Senior Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh speaks at the exchange on post-deployment psychological support for Vietnamese peacekeepers.

Senior Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh presents a gift to Colonel Shauna Graham, New Zealand defense attaché to Singapore and Vietnam, and other New Zealand experts.

On the same day, the VNDPKO, in cooperation with the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam, organized an exchange on post-deployment psychological support for Vietnamese peacekeepers.

According to VNDPKO’s Deputy Director Senior Colonel Nguyen Nhu Canh, the session was designed for members of Engineering Company Rotation 3 and Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 6, who recently returned from a one-year mission in Abyei and South Sudan.

Col. Canh emphasized that post-deployment mental health care is crucial to help peacekeepers reintegrate smoothly with their families, comrades, and society after serving in Africa’s harsh conditions. The activity reflects the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense’s deep concern for mental health of its peacekeeping forces, while highlighting the increasingly close and effective collaboration between Vietnam and New Zealand in this field.

Delegates of the exchange in a group photo

Translated by Mai Huong