Deputy Minister of National Defense Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Van Hien and Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen co-chaired a welcome ceremony for the contingent at the airport.
    |
 |
|
Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff, the General Department of Political Affairs, and the Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela in Vietnam welcome the contingent home. |
Ms. Estela Del Valle Quijada Suarez, Chargé d'Affaires of the Embassy of Venezuela in Vietnam also attended the event.
Gen. Hien presented a bouquet of flowers to Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department under the General Staff and Head of the Vietnamese contingent, congratulating the team on successfully completing its mission in Venezuela.
The defense leader praised the contingent which comprises personnel from the Vietnam People’s Army and the People’s Public Security for its task performance. He affirmed that the international mission reflected Vietnam's noble international responsibility, contributing to strengthening bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and Venezuela. He also expressed his hope that Venezuela would soon complete its post-earthquake reconstruction efforts and restore normal life for people in the affected areas.
This marked the third time Vietnam has deployed personnel and equipment overseas to conduct humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations. Many members of the contingent had previously participated in earthquake response missions in Türkiye in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025.
|
|
 |
|
Maj. Gen. Pham Van Ty reports the mission's results to Deputy Defense Minister Sr. Lt. Gen. Nguyen Van Hien. |
During the 12-day mission in Venezuela, Vietnamese rescuers and service dogs worked tirelessly in the hope of locating earthquake victims as quickly as possible, easing the suffering of affected families, and joining hands with the Venezuelan Government and people in overcoming the devastating consequences of the disaster.
The military and public security personnel, together with their specialized equipment, were deployed in different operational directions in close coordination with the Venezuelan authorities.
Notably, they actively conducted search operations at locations beyond its assigned areas upon receiving requests for assistance from victims' families.
The contingent also established emergency medical stations, providing emergency treatment, medical care, and health examinations for local residents.
Attentively, Vietnamese rescuers recovered dozens of victims' bodies from collapsed structures and handed them over to their families and local authorities. They also visited affected communities, raised donations, and distributed essential supplies to local residents and local rescue personnel.
The contingent's tireless efforts were highly appreciated by the Venezuelan authorities and local communities, providing strong encouragement for the team in carrying out its international humanitarian mission.
In recognition of their exceptional contributions, the Venezuelan Government awarded the "Hero of Venezuela" Medals to the contingent and each of its members, and the "Meritorious Service" Medal to the contingent’s service dogs.
The contingent successfully fulfilled its noble international mission, vividly demonstrating the Party and State’s foreign policy, helping enhance Vietnam's reputation and standing in global disaster response efforts while reaffirming the traditional friendship and comprehensive partnership between Vietnam and Venezuela.
Below are photos of the welcome ceremony for the SAR contingent.
|
|
 |
|
The aircraft carrying the Vietnamese contingent from Venezuela arrives at Noi Bai International Airport. |
|
|
 |
|
The Vietnamese contingent successfully completes its earthquake relief mission in Venezuela. |
|
|
 |
|
Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense, the General Staff, and the General Department of Political Affairs present flowers to the team. |
|
|
 |
|
Leaders of the Ministry of National Defense and the Ministry of Public Security present flowers to the rescuers. |
|
|
 |
|
SAR personnel at Noi Bai International Airport |
|
|
 |
|
Members of the contingent |
|
|
 |
|
Service dogs return from the earthquake response mission in Venezuela. |
|
|
 |
|
Lieutenant Colonel Lam Manh Toan, reporter of the People's Army Newspaper, accompanying the contingent during their mission in Venezuela |
|
|
 |
|
Vietnamese rescuers successfully accomplish their assigned mission. |
Translated by Mai Huong