Despite having to stay away from the homeland, family and relatives, and working in the missions with numerous difficulties amid the complicated developments of the COVID-19 pandemic, the VPA’s young officers are all radiant with joy and are looking forward to going on duty.

Maj. Gen. Hoang Kim Phung, Director of the MOD’s Vietnam Department for Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO), said that this will be the largest team of Vietnamese officers ever deployed for the international mission, demonstrating Vietnam’s commitment to implementing the UN peacekeeping and not withdrawing forces in the context of COVID-19, thus contributing to enhancing the image of Uncle Ho’s soldiers who are ready to take on their duty in disadvantaged and pandemic-hit areas.

The newly appointed Vietnamese UN peacekeepers will head for missions in three locations, including at the UN headquarters, the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) and South Sudan (UNMISS). Specifically, there will be two debut positions for Vietnamese officers after they overcame the entrance exams, with Lieut. Col. Luong Truong Vinh working as a staff-planning officer at the force building organisation office under the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations at the UN headquarters, and Lieut. Col. Nguyen Duy Quang working at MINUSCA’s security reform office as an officer coordinating military activities between the mission and the government of the Central African Republic.

Deputy Minister of Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh hands over the President's decision to the officers.

To fulfil its assigned tasks, the VDPO has actively completed preparations for the deployed officers before their departure. The 10 officers have attended specialised training courses on peacekeeping, both at home and abroad, including three months of pre-deployment training. Notably, amid the complicated COVID-19 developments in all the three aforementioned areas, Vietnamese officers have been well-trained on the pandemic, prevention and control measures, and COVID-19 treatment regimen, while practising 14-day quarantine and COVID-19 testing before departure in accordance with the UN’s requirements. At the same time, the department has directed specialised units and forces outside the areas to offer regular updates on the evolution of the disease prevention and control experience, as well as the security and safety situation in these locations. Prior to their leaving for the mission, the VDPO approved the term work plans of each officer and the task force on Vietnam’s UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan and the Central African Republic, while strictly disseminating them with the tasks assigned by the UN and the MOD. The officers agreed to voluntarily use 20kg of the total cargo quota allowed by the UN to bring along medical supplies and COVID-19 protective equipment for Vietnam’s level-2 field hospital no. 2 and other officers at MINUSCA and UNMISS.

After five years of official UN peacekeeping participation, Vietnam has so far sent 40 officers to assume duty at MINUSCA and UNMISS, and one level-2 field hospital in South Sudan with 63 officials and medical workers. Vietnam’s forces in the areas have been effectively performing their tasks, receiving high appreciation from the UN, while contributing to affirming Vietnam’s role in the international community as a whole and in UN peacekeeping operations in particular.

Lieut. Col. Luong Truong Vinh said that as a soldier, not everyone has the honour of receiving the President’s decision on being sent to participate in UN peacekeeping operations.

“We are always aware that the tasks assigned by the Party, State and Army are an honour and pride, but also a great responsibility and challenge. Therefore, before departure, the other officers and I have been well-prepared. Despite serving duty away from the fatherland, families and relatives, we always determine the credo of maintaining and promoting the good qualities of Uncle Ho’s soldiers, overcoming difficulties, modestly learning from international colleagues, and striving to successfully realise the assigned tasks,” he said.

Sharing the same point, Maj. Nguyen My Hanh, the only female officer among the newly deployed ones who will work as a staff-training officer at MINUSCA, stated that she initially felt very worried about having to assume duty in the Central African Republic, away from family and relatives, especially her two young sons, added by the difficulties, challenges and hidden security and pandemic risks of UN peacekeeping participation.

“However, encouraged by commanders and fellow soldiers, I have satisfactorily arranged my home affairs and am clearly aware of the responsibility and honour to be participating in UN peacekeeping activities and contributing to helping innocent people who are victims of conflicts. Therefore, I and my fellow soldiers my teammates are now well-prepared to depart for the missions with the highest spirit and determination,” Hanh affirmed.