Staff of the second Level-2 field hospital (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) - The Defence Ministry’s Vietnam Peacekeeping Department is considering the deployment of helicopters to peacekeeping activities in Mali, according to its Director Maj. Gen. Hoang Kim Phung.
Speaking at an international seminar in Hanoi on December 6, Phung said Vietnam has planned to use transport helicopters in UN peacekeeping operations in Mali for carrying out international tasks.
According to Phung, since 2014, Vietnam has strengthened its military forces to participate in UN peacekeeping missions at both individual and unit levels.
This demonstrates Vietnam’s consistent political will and active contributions to maintaining peace and security in the region and the world, and commitments by Vietnamese high-ranking leaders at summits and international forums, Phung said.
At the unit level, Vietnam maintains the presence of the second Level-2 field hospital in South Sudan after the first one competed its tasks in the country in November.
At the individual level, Vietnam has also deployed 40 officers in UN peacekeeping missions so far, he added.
Vietnamese peacekeepers have been trusted by the UN and international friends who appreciate their responsibilities and professional and integration ability, as well as performances.
Vietnam is always ready to make more practical contributions to UN peacekeeping activities, in order to implement specific initiatives and actions for maintaining peace and creating sustainable development platforms for countries affected by wars and conflicts, Phung stressed.
The United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in Mali (MINUSMA) was established in April 25, 2013, to stabilise the country after the Tuareg rebellion in 2020. Some 15,000 military, police and civilian personnel work for the mission.
Vietnam actively joins international peacekeeping activities. (Photo: VietnamPlus)
Vietnam dispatched its first Level-2 hospital to the UN mission in South Sudan in October 2018.
During its time in the country, the hospital examined and treated nearly 1,800 patients, including many serious cases. Vietnamese medical doctors also organized training for local medical units as part of the UN Mission programme in Bentiu. They also coordinated well with military agencies. This created a positive image of Vietnamese soldiers and medical staff among the international community.
On November 13, the country sent its second Level-2 field hospital with more than 60 military doctors join UN peacekeeping missions in the African country to replace the first one.
A group of some 200 sappers will also be dispatched to the country.
According to Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh, the sending of forces to UN peacekeeping activities shows Vietnam’s consistent political will and positive policy in contributing to maintaining peace and security in the region and in the world, in accordance with strong commitments by Vietnamese leaders at summits and international forums.
2019 is the fifth consecutive year Vietnam has sent officers to UN peacekeeping forces, especially in South Sudan and Central Africa, two countries with instability due to civil wars.
Initially, Vietnam sent individuals in the role of staff officers, liaison officers, and observers to several countries in Africa such as South Sudan and Central Africa.
Apart from being good at professional activities, Vietnamese officers are also said to be friendly with local people. They act as ambassadors to promote the country’s image.
The first Level-2 field hospital is under Military Central Hospital 105, while members of the second are from the Military Medical Academy.
The two hospitals were formed to be ready to replace each other in implementing peacekeeping tasks.
They also serve as mobile field hospitals to perform search and rescue missions, provide disaster relief in emergencies in Vietnam, and participate in multilateral and international drills./.
