On September 2, Vietnamese peacekeepers at the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) celebrated the National Day at Highway Base, where the Vietnamese Engineering Company Rotation 2 is stationed.
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A view of the flag-saluting ceremony at Highway Base |
The ceremony started with a respectful flag-saluting ceremony, follow by a documentary about the National Day of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, the country of Vietnam and its people.
Speaking at the event, Senior Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, Commanding Officer of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in UNISFA, briefed international friends on heroic history of Vietnam's struggle for independence, Fatherland construction and defense over the past 79 years.
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Delegates and international guesses in a joint photo with officers of the Vietnamese Engineering Company |
He affirmed that the history of thousands-of-years of building and protecting the country and the heroic spirit from the Declaration of Independence of President Ho Chi Minh teach us that peace is not just the absence of conflicts, but also the presence of justice, development, and hope. This belief has encouraged us to relentlessly carry out missions, and share commitment with international partners to bringing about stability and security of the difficult regions, especially peace of Abyei and beyond.
Acting Chief Administrator and Minister of Peace and Reconciliation of Abyei Chol Changath Chol thanked UNISFA and the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in Abyei for their assistance to the people of Abyei in such activities as road, bridge, and drainage repairs, and support for school construction. Together with the Vietnamese peacekeepers, Abyei's authorities and people have effectively worked with the UNISFA to improve local people's life.
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Highway Base adorned with flowers and flags on Vietnam's National Day |
In his speech at the ceremony, UNISFA Acting Head of Mission and Force Commander Major General Robert Affram congratulated the Vietnamese peacekeepers in particular and Vietnam in general on the National Day. He affirmed the significant role of the Vietnamese force in the UNISFA over the past time. According to him, the professionalism and solidarity of the Vietnamese force have made them a unique and exceptional team.
On the same day, the Vietnamese working group, in coordination with the E.U. Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA), held a flag-saluting ceremony to celebrate the 79th anniversary of the National Day of Vietnam at the mission's headquarters, Moana Base, Bangui, capital of the Central African Republic.
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The flag-saluting ceremony at EUTM RCA |
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The National flag of Vietnam flying at the EUTM RCA |
Speaking at the event, Colonel Vu Thi Lien introduced Vietnam’s National Day, the country of Vietnam and its people, as well as the process of construction and development of Vietnam over the past nearly eight decades to international colleagues and friends.
At the event, the Commanding Officer of the EUTM RCA delivered a speech to congratulate Vietnamese officers on the National Day and emphasized the significant role of Vietnam's participation in EUTM RCA. He credited it as a special milestone in the fine cooperative relationship between Vietnam and the E.U. for peace, stability, and sustainable development. He highly appreciated the contribution of the first two Vietnamese officers in the EUTM RCA, particularly acknowledging their continued service for an additional year after their tenure extension was approved.
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Colonel Vu Thi Lien and the National flag |
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Commanders and officers participating in flag-saluting ceremony at the EUTM RCA |
Col. Lien touchingly shared that this was the second time she and her colleagues have celebrated the National Day at the EUTM RCA, and she always feels proud of her love towards Vietnam on this special occasion. This serves as a great motivation for the Vietnamese officers to always strive to fulfill all assigned tasks, and leave a good impression of the friendly, peace-loving, hospitable, and patriotic Vietnamese people.
Translated by Duong Tuoi