Taking on this international task not only confirms the professionalism and readiness capability in any situations of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), but also vividly proves the bright spirit of humane internationality and the spirit for peace of Vietnamese nation.
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Vietnam People’s Army brightens the qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers while performing international mission in peace-time. In photo: Military engineers and service dogs from the Vietnamese rescue forces search for earthquake victims in Antakya, the capital of Hatay province, Turkey in February 2023 (Photo: Van Hieu) |
In SAR task, each minute and each second counts to save life. Therefore, right upon learning about the earthquake disaster in Myanmar, the VPA’s General Staff reported to the Central Military Commission (CMC) and the Ministry of National Defense (MND). The CMC and MND directed forces to build plans, mobilize personnel, equipment and goods for the SAR mission.
The preparations were made promptly and organizationally under the close leadership of higher levels of the military. Participating troops showed their highest responsibility, had rich experiences gained during their engagement in U.N. peacekeeping operations, domestic and international SAR works, particularly in Turkey in 2023. Vietnamese military troops not only stay ready in the fight to defend the Fatherland, but also carry the mission of protecting peace, security, and safety for Vietnamese people and those in friend countries all over the world.
Looking back upon the history of Vietnam, along with struggling for national salvation and defending the Fatherland, the Vietnamese military always gave assistance to their international peers, showcasing the noble international spirit. Vietnamese troops, Vietnamese volunteer soldiers stood side-by-side with troops and people of China, Laos, and Cambodia in their combat for independence.
Today, that spirit continues to be promoted in U.N. peacekeeping operations, humanitarian assistance, and SAR operations. Anywhere, in any circumstances, Vietnamese military always stands ready to set off to save people of friend countries as saving their compatriots. That is the inheritance and the promotion of the noble traditions of Vietnamese nation. It also shows the country’s role and responsibility in the international community.
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A view of a field lunch of Vietnamese troops during the SAR efforts in Antakya |
This working trip to Myanmar is not only a SAR task but also an obligation performed by a progressive country, a responsible member of ASEAN. Once again, the revolutionary military - Uncle Ho’s soldiers volunteered to head for a foreign country, Myanmar, with compassion and the spirit of helping friends meaning helping ourselves, contributing to building solidarity and friendship among nations.
The image of Uncle Ho’s soldiers in the dark green military uniform weathered hardships and risks, exerted all-out efforts to trace any living signs in the ruins in Turkey in 2023 became a symbol of humanitarian spirit and noble international responsibility, leaving deep impressions on the host authorities and people. This time, with the mission in Myanmar, that spirit is promoted again. People nationwide will follow, believe in and be proud of the VPA’s eminent troops who are performing the noble mission in the friend country.
International friends also highly appreciate the readiness and professionalism of Vietnam’s rescue forces. They praise the Vietnamese military’s promptness and decisiveness to immediately send troops to support Myanmar. That helps raise the country’s status in the world and shows the close connection among ASEAN member countries in an effort to build a peaceful and developed community.
Professional and highly-determined, Vietnamese rescue forces will excellently complete their mission, partly relieving pains and losses faced by Myanmar people, beautifying the good qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers, and confirming that Vietnam has risen to become a trusted partner in the region and the world.
Translated by Mai Huong