 Officers of Vietnam’s Engineering Unit Rotation 2 return to Noi Bai International Airport after completing their peacekeeping mission. (Photo: Trong Duc/VNA) |
Since its first deployment of officers to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) in 2014, Vietnam has sent 1,083 personnel from the Vietnam People’s Army and the People’s Public Security to UN missions. These include deployments of both individuals and units such as level-2 field hospitals and engineering teams to Abyei (UNISFA), South Sudan (UNMISS), the Central African Republic (MINUSCA), and to the UN headquarters in New York.
This shows how far Vietnam has come in terms of the quality of its peacekeeping contributions, said Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations. “Thanks to our growing reputation and capabilities, the UN selected Vietnam for deployment in South Sudan. Our level-2 field hospitals have been highly praised by coalition leaders and colleagues. We’ve always demonstrated professionalism and a strong sense of responsibility.”
 Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (Photo: Trung Hieu/special.nhandan.vn) |
In the field, Vietnamese peacekeepers have worked with local authorities and communities to build and repair roads and classrooms, teach children, drill wells, provide free medical care, and share farming techniques to support livelihoods.
These humanitarian activities have strengthened ties between Vietnamese personnel and local populations and earned the respect of international peers.
“I’d like to point out that all the Vietnamese here working with us have done a very good job. They’ve been with us for a very short period, but have proved that they’re well-disciplined and hard-working,” Alptekin Arlantas, Commander of the UN peacekeeping force in Juba, South Sudan, told VOV. “I want to encourage all of you to join the peacekeeping mission and protect the peace, stability, and security of vulnerable people, including women and children.”
 Local residents receive timely medical care from doctors at a field hospital. (Photo: Trung Hieu/special.nhandan.vn) |
Building on its 11-year journey in UN peacekeeping, and in response to increasing demands for international integration and defense diplomacy, the Vietnam People’s Army will continue to maintain its presence in mission areas and take on a deeper role in UN peacekeeping activities, further enhancing Vietnam’s international status.