The Deputy Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations made the statement while heading a delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defense (MND) to conduct a comprehensive inspection of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) from July 4 to 28.
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The delegation provides on-site professional exchanges and technical assistance to resolve operational challenges in the field. |
The inspection focused on providing technical support, maintenance, and repair for vehicles and equipment operated by Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4, while also reviewing the force's coordination and operational activities in the mission area. The inspection served as an important assessment of the operational capability and readiness of the 184 personnel of the Engineering Company Rotation 4, the working groups from the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security carrying out missions in Abyei.
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The delegation pays a courtesy call on the UNISFA Force Commander. |
Given the demanding operational tempo and harsh climatic conditions in Abyei, maintaining equipment in a fully mission-capable condition is a significant challenge. The delegation, which included technical specialists from the Military Institute of Mechanical Engineering, the General Department of Logistics and Technical Services, and the Engineering Corps, provided on-site technical guidance and professional training, directly sharing practical experience and solutions for resolving complex technical issues with the technical personnel of the Engineering Company Rotation 4.
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The UNISFA Force Commander poses for a group photo with the delegation. |
During the working visit, the MND delegation paid a courtesy call on Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, Force Commander of UNISFA. At the meeting, the UNISFA Force Commander highly commended the substantive contribution and professionalism demonstrated by the Vietnamese peacekeeping force. He particularly acknowledged the capability and expertise of the Vietnamese military engineers, whose efforts contributed significantly to the successful upgrading of the Banton Bridge and the vital Abyei - Agok road under extremely challenging conditions.
The Force Commander emphasized that the Engineering Company Rotation 4 demonstrated outstanding professionalism and exceptional dedication, willingly working even on weekends. In recognition of its remarkable contribution, the UNISFA Awards Committee has selected the Vietnamese engineering company as an outstanding unit and recommended it for commendation by the United Nations Secretary-General.
Sr. Col. Pham Tan Phong expressed his appreciation to the UNISFA Force Commander for his positive assessment of the Vietnamese unit and the officers of the MND and Ministry of Public Security working groups. He also respectfully requested the Mission's continued support for Vietnam's future deployment of an engineering bridge and road construction detachment, a formed police unit (FPU), and additional individual military and police officers.
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The delegation presents a souvenir to Arop Deng Kuol, Deputy Chief Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area. |
He affirmed that future Vietnamese units, together with individual officers deployed to U.N. peacekeeping missions, would continue building on the achievements already attained by the Vietnamese peacekeeping force at UNISFA while striving to further enhance the quality and effectiveness of their performance, meeting the expectations and confidence of the Mission’s leadership, local authorities, and local people.
Director of Mission Support (DMS) Uchenna Odenigbo spoke highly of the flexibility and cooperative spirit of Vietnamese peacekeepers. “Regardless of the circumstances, you are always ready to adapt and carry out your duties with the utmost dedication,” she said.
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The delegation visits the Indian Infantry Battalion. |
While in Abyei, the delegation paid a courtesy call on local authorities, meeting with Deputy Chief Administrator of the Abyei Administrative Area Arop Deng Kuol. At the meeting, Arop Deng Kuol noted that this was the first time the Abyei Area had a durable, standard-compliant road such as the Abyei-Agok road. He stressed that the project serves not only as a vital transportation artery but also as a source of renewed hope for local communities.
In addition, the delegation visited other units deployed in the area, including the Indian Infantry Battalion, the Chinese helicopter unit, and the Chinese quick reaction force.
By Hai Yen from Abyei
Translated by Mai Huong