The event was not only an opportunity to recall the glorious history of the heroic VPA, but also a bridge to strengthen friendship and solidarity with the international community and local authorities.
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Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4’s officers welcome UNISFA Force Commander Lt. Gen. Robert Yaw Affram. |
Attending the event were UNISFA Force Commander Lieutenant General Robert Yaw Affram, Minister of Physical Infrastructure and Public Services Kon Maneit Matiok representing the local government, and key commanding officers of the U.N. Mission.
Speaking at the ceremony, Lieutenant General Robert Yaw Affram affirmed that Vietnamese peacekeepers are not only engineers who open roads and build bridges, but also ambassadors of humanity and professionalism. “We highly appreciate the extraordinary efforts of Vietnam’s Engineering Company Rotation 4. You have transformed, day-by-day, the infrastructure of the Mission area, creating better working and living conditions for peacekeeping forces,” the UNISFA Force Commander said. He emphasized that the presence of senior-level guests at the event was an vivid evidence of the international community’s recognition of the persistent contributions, through sun and rain alike, made by the Vietnamese forces on this land.
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International friends congratulate Vietnamese troops on the VPA’s 81st foundation anniversary. |
In his remarks, head of the company Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong emphasized, “We do not only build bridges of steel and concrete. We also aim to build bridges of understanding and friendship between UNISFA, the local authorities and local people.”
For his part, Minister Kon Maneit Matiok highlighted that Vietnamese military engineers’ presence has brought both security and development. “The authorities and people of Abyei are deeply grateful for the projects carried out by the Vietnamese engineering company. You have turned major infrastructure changes into reality, helping improve local facilities daily. Today, we not only congratulate the VPA, but also celebrate the most reliable companion of the people of Abyei,” the Minister stated.
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The UNISFA Force Commander and international delegates visit the exhibition area displaying books and images of the VPA. |
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Solo performance with bamboo flute at the ceremony |
A notable highlight on the sidelines of the ceremony was the exhibition space featuring books on Vietnamese military history, which attracted special interest from international guests. Foreign commanding officers spent time leafing through the pages, attentively learning about the 81-year journey of the VPA’s building, combat, and development. These books not only provided valuable reference materials, but also served as a bridge helping international friends gain a deeper understanding of the spirit and will of Uncle Ho’s soldiers.
In addition, a special art performance by members of the Engineering Company and the presentation of traditional Vietnamese cuisine left strong and positive impressions on international guests attending the ceremony.
Reported by Hai Yen (from Abyei)
Translated by Mai Huong