Vietnamese delegation, led by Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, member of the Party Central Committee, permanent member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defense, Head of Defense Ministry’s Steering Committee on Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, attended the conference.
By implementing the UN Secretary-General's Action for Peacekeeping (A4P) initiative, the conference was an opportunity for delegates to discuss and propose measures to create an additional motivation for United Nations peacekeeping operations (UNPKO). Speaking at the opening ceremony, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres asked the countries to reaffirm their commitments to peacekeeping operations and propose solutions to improve capacity of UN peacekeeping forces and to protect people. He also hoped that the countries would increase the proportion of female officers participating in UN peacekeeping missions.
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Vietnamese delegation attending the event |
In addition to the keynote address of the Special Envoy of the United Nations Angelina Jolie, the delegations' leaders delivered their speeches at four important sessions. At a session on assessing the implementation of UN peacekeeping operations, Gen. Vinh affirmed that the Vietnamese Government has a strong commitment to participating in UN peacekeeping operations.
Notably, Vietnam strongly advocates the UN Action for Peacekeeping Initiative, which Vietnam is a signatory. In doing so, Vietnam focuses on abiding by international law and maintaining peace in the world, he noted.
According to the Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister, Vietnam just coordinated with the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) to organize a workshop themed "Overcoming War Legacies, Endeavour for Peace and Sustainable Development” at the United Nations, with the aims of demonstrating national responsibility for UN peacekeeping operations.
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Gen. Vinh speaking at the conference |
Gen. Vinh stressed that Vietnam also strongly supported the UN initiative to strengthen the role of female officers in UN peacekeeping operations. In 2018, Vietnam sent a female officer to UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan. At the end of her term, the Vietnamese female officer was evaluated by the UN as an excellent peacekeeper. Moreover, on October 2018, Vietnam sent a Level-two Field Hospital to South Sudan, of which 17% of its staff were female officers. They were highly appreciated by the UN for their skills, qualifications and military disciplines. "In the coming time, Vietnam will continue to send female officers to participate in UN peacekeeping missions in African countries," he added.
By the end of 2019, Vietnam will plan to cooperate with the UNDP to hold an international workshop themed "Women with UN peacekeeping operations". With the workshop, Vietnam wishes to honor women's role in maintaining international peace and contributing to security in the world. Regarding the UN's policy on combating sexual abuse, the Vietnamese official said that all countries need to focus on improving disciplines and zero tolerance for sexual abuse.
Concluding his speech, Vietnam's Deputy Defense Minister emphasized the Vietnamese Government's determination in building sustainable peace and security in the whole world. In 2020, Vietnam will stand for election for a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council. Vietnam hopes to receive more support and collaboration from other countries to make more contributions to peace, security and development of the world.
On the sidelines, Gen. Vinh had talks with Mongolian Defense Minister, Japanese Deputy-Defense Minister, Commander of the Australian Defence Force, the Philippines' Defense Minister, to discuss ways to promote defense cooperation, especially in participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Operations. At the meeting between the Vietnamese Deputy Defense Minister and Deputy Chief of the General Staff of Joint Staff Department of the Chinese Central Military Commission, Lieutenant General Shao Yuanming, the two sides discussed the preparation work for the visits of the two countries' leaders in the coming time, and the promotion of defense cooperation between ASEAN and China within the framework of ADMM+ and ASEAN-China cooperation.
Translated by Lam Anh