The search-and-rescue team of the Ministry of Public Security returns to Hanoi on February 19 after completing their mission of helping with the search and rescue of earthquake victims in Turkey (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, highly appreciates Vietnam's proactive engagement in carrying out international humanitarian missions, particularly its participation in rescue and relief efforts in Turkey recently.
Officers and soldiers of the People's Armed Forces of Vietnam were deployed into the earthquake-stricken region in Turkey to contribute to the rescue and relief mission.
A 24-member team of the Ministry of Public Security engaged in search and rescue efforts in the Turkish southeastern city of Adiyaman after they arrived in the country on February 10. The group returned home on February 19 after an outstanding contribution, fulfilling their tasks.
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On this occasion, VietnamPlus E-newspaper had an interview with Saadi Salama, Palestinian Ambassador and head of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, regarding Vietnam's contributions to international humanitarian missions.
Vietnam actively participates in international missions
Reporter: In recent years, Vietnam has proactively joined international peacekeeping missions. Recently, search and rescue teams of the Ministry of Public Security and the People's Army of Vietnam also arrived in Turkey for rescue task. How do you assess this contribution?
A team of the Vietnam People's Army performs search and rescue efforts in Antakya city, Hatay province of Turkey (Photo: VNA)
Saadi Salama: After more than two decades of renewal (doi moi) process, Vietnam's foreign policy has undergone significant changes. Vietnam has gained an increasingly important position in the international arena. Vietnam consistently demonstrates its desire to be a friend to all nations and is always ready to undertake international missions, such as participating in UN peacekeeping operations and, most recently, engaging in rescue and relief efforts in Turkey.
I greatly appreciate these actions and congratulate the Vietnamese Government on making an appropriate decision. Vietnam has previously received support from nations around the world during its struggle for national independence, unity and territorial integrity.
The contribution to the mission demonstrates the Vietnamese people’s sentiments and humanitarianism to those around the world, as well as their commitment to working together for friendship and cooperation in order to build a better future, not only for the people of Vietnam but also for the world as a whole.
The presence of Vietnamese soldiers in Turkey also reflected a high sense of responsibility for international humanitarian missions. They are brave, dedicated, devoted individuals who are ready to commit themselves to any task at hand.
Reporter: How do you assess the effectiveness of search and rescue efforts of the Vietnamese teams in recent days?
Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of diplomatic corps in Vietnam talks to VietnamPlus E-Newspaper’s reporter (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Saadi Salama: The Vietnamese search and rescue teams had to travel to a distant country to perform their task. What the Vietnamese soldiers and officers have accomplished shows that they made every effort to assist the Turkish people in coping with the aftermath of the disaster. Furthermore, they have a wealth of experience in rescue work as Vietnam also faces calamitous events like weather-related natural disasters every year.
Apart from contributions to search and rescue efforts, the Vietnamese forces have also given spiritual encouragement to local residents in Turkey and Syria.
The Turkish Government and the international media and community have lauded their contributions.
Spirit of international solidarity
Reporter: How do you assess the importance of regular joint search and rescue drills the Vietnamese police and military forces undertake with other countries?
Vietnamese peacekeepers on duty (Photo: Vietnamplus)
Saadi Salama: International cooperation between countries is crucial in training and improving search and rescue skills. Through such collaboration, Vietnam can share its experiences in responding to natural disasters while also can learn from other nations. As a result, the effectiveness of search and rescue operations can be continuously built upon and improved.
Reporter: The world is experiencing many difficulties and instability due to conflict, natural disasters and epidemics. As the head of the diplomatic corps in Vietnam, what message do you want to share with representatives of countries present in the Southeast Asian nation?
Saadi Salama: I think we are all sitting on the same boat. If the boat is in disarray or damaged, everyone will be affected. Therefore, it is essential for all of us to have a sense of responsibility and make efforts to help and support each other.
I would like to say that we must collectively protect values that have been built over the centuries. We should respect international law and the sovereignty of each nation, while always being ready to contribute to the prosperity of all nations and keep everyone safe.
Palestinian Ambassador Saadi Salama, head of diplomatic corps in Vietnam highly values efforts and profession of the Vietnamese rescue teams in Turkey. (VietnamPlus)
Reporter: As a Palestinian ambassador who arrived in Vietnam in 1980 when our country had just endured the wounds of war, and in your homeland – Palestine, people were also suffering the consequences of conflicts, how do you personally share and empathize with the people of Turkey and Syria today?
Saadi Salama: Despite the challenges that Palestine faces, we understand the importance of assisting nations affected by natural disasters. We also sent rescue teams to Turkey and Syria to support victims. Personally, I am deeply saddened by the loss of over 100 Palestinian lives in the recent earthquake. They were individuals residing in refugee camps in northern Syria.
I would like to extend my condolences to all the families who have suffered losses in the earthquake. I hope that the people of Turkey, Syria, Palestine, and other countries affected by natural disasters will overcome difficulties by their determination in national reconstruction.
The Vietnamese have a saying: " When hungry, a morsel is like a hamper" and "The good leaf covers the torn ones”. I want to tell earthquake victims that they are not alone. Other nations worldwide always stood by them. On our planet, compassion and solidarity among people still exists.
Reporter: Thank you for your conversation!
