Commending collectives and individuals who have excellently fulfilled the role of 'Messengers of Peace'

Participating in United Nations peacekeeping operations outside Vietnam's territory is a concretization of the "Overall Plan on Vietnam's participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations" approved by the Politburo in 2013.

Accordingly, from June 2014 to now, Vietnam has sent 246 officers and staff of the Vietnam People's Army to perform peacekeeping missions at the United Nations Missions in South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the United Nations Headquarters (New York, USA). Among them, there are 3 Level 2 Field Hospitals that have been highly appreciated by the United Nations for their professional capacity, and Vietnamese doctors and nurses have left good impressions on patients because of their high sense of responsibility and wholehearted dedication to patients.

In June 2018, the United Nations recognized the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department as one of four international training centers in the region to conduct training under the Tripartite Partnership Program (Vietnam, the United Nations and several partner countries) and coordinated with the United Nations and Japan to organize three training courses for many domestic and international officers on engineering.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc commended and highly appreciated the encouraging initial results of the United Nations peacekeeping force under the Ministry of National Defense, especially the officers and staff of Level 2 Field Hospitals, who have successfully completed the tasks assigned by the United Nations and Vietnam. The United Nations has repeatedly sent letters of thanks to Vietnam for its substantial and effective contributions.

“The Vietnamese blue beret soldiers have represented the image of the Vietnamese people who love peace and work for peace; promoted and spread the noble qualities of “Uncle Ho's soldiers”, making international colleagues, local people, especially the military forces of many countries understand more about the country, army, traditions, culture, bravery and intelligence of the Vietnamese people, thereby truly loving, respecting and supporting Vietnam”, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc noted.

“The sending of some of our Army's forces to participate in UN peacekeeping operations has marked a new development step in Vietnam's efforts to fulfill its international obligations as a responsible member, contributing to enhancing the international position and prestige of Vietnam in general and the Vietnam People's Army in particular, and contributing to strengthening international cooperation in defense and security,” the President emphasized.

Raising the complex issues of both traditional and non-traditional security today, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc requested to improve the operational efficiency of the Vietnam People's Army's peacekeeping forces at the Missions, meeting the requirements of the tasks, qualifications, expertise and ensuring all aspects of safety for our officers and soldiers. Strengthening research and strategic consulting work, gradually expanding the forces, locations and participating positions, especially command and management positions at the United Nations and mission locations where Vietnam has strengths such as engineering forces, military control, communications, military transport... Maintaining and gradually increasing the proportion of female soldiers (currently 16%) participating in United Nations peacekeeping activities. "The process of operation must demonstrate positivity, initiative, but be cautious, certain and ensure the independent right to command the forces of the Vietnam People's Army when participating in the Missions".

The President believes that under the leadership of the Party and State, directly by the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, with the cooperation and support of the United Nations and partner countries, our blue beret force will excellently fulfill the role of "Messengers of Peace" of Vietnam in the United Nations peacekeeping missions, continuing to shine the image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" in the hearts of international friends.

At the ceremony, President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, on behalf of the Party and State leaders, awarded the Second Class Fatherland Protection Medal to the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department.

The President awarded the First Class Fatherland Protection Medal to four comrades: General Phan Van Giang - Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission, Minister of National Defense; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Trong Nghia - Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda Department; Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh - former member of the Party Central Committee, former Deputy Minister of National Defense; Senior Lieutenant General Tran Quang Phuong - Member of the Party Central Committee, Vice Chairman of the National Assembly.

On this occasion, a number of leaders of ministries, branches, generals and commanders of units under the Ministry of National Defense also received Medals for their achievements in United Nations peacekeeping work.

Nguyen Duc