Illustrative photo (Photo: The Courtesy of VNMAC) Hanoi (VNA) – The Vietnam National Mine ActionCenter (VNMAC) on February 28 held a meeting with representatives of embassiesof countries, international organisations, and foreign non-governmental organisations(NGOs) to celebrate its 10th founding anniversary (March 4, 2014 - 2024).
In 2010, the Vietnamese Government issued a National ActionProgramme to overcome the consequences of post-war bombs and mines in the2010-2015 period (Programme 504). To manage, coordinate and implement theprogramme, on March 4, 2014, the Government established VNMAC, under thedirection of the Prime Minister and the management of the Ministry of NationalDefence.
For the past decade, VNMAC has made many achievements,positively contributing to the results of Programme 504. It has proactivelystrengthened international cooperation to gather support from theinternational community and established official cooperativerelationships with many international organisations and foreign NGOs.
VNMAC has actively participated in regional and internationalconferences, seminars, and forums on overcoming the consequences of mines and bombsto exchange, share experience, and develop partnerships. The UN and organisations have appreciated the centre's activities, which demonstrate Vietnam'ssense of responsibility towards global mine action efforts.
In 2018, VNMAC advised the National Steering Committee on theSettlement of Post-War Unexploded Ordnance and Toxic Chemical Consequences(Steering Committee 701) to publish amap of mine and explosive ordnance contamination at all the 63 localities across Vietnam.
Between 2016 and 2021, it coordinated with the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) and the United NationsDevelopment Programme (UNDP) to successfully implement a RoK-funded project ontechnical surveys and mine clearance over the area of more than 16,800 ha.
Speaking at the meeting, Deputy General Director of VNMACColonel Le Quang Hop thanked the Prime Minister, ministries, agencies, localities,countries, international organisations, and NGOs for supporting the centreduring the past time.
He said that with the support of international friends, the workof overcoming the consequences of landmines and bombs in Vietnam will reap more success.
Congratulating VNMAC for its successful 10-year journey, AmyPatel, Political Affairs Counselor of the US Embassy in Vietnam, said that VNMAChas made great efforts to strengthen international cooperation in surmounting the post-war bomb and mine consequences in Vietnam.
She affirmed the US's commitment to accompanying Vietnam inbuilding a better future for future generations.
In a video speech, Lee Byung Hwa, Country Director of KOICAVietnam, appreciated the important role of VNMAC, saying her agency will continue to stand side by side with the centre,thereby positively contributing to the RoK-Vietnam relations, he said./.
