The Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) together with the office of French defence attaché in Vietnam opened talks regarding UN peacekeeping missions on October 21.

The exchange, which will run until October 26, has gathered French experts and personnel expected to join Vietnam’s peacekeeping sapper force.

Their discussions will focus on security and safety of personnel during missions, the preparation and assignment of tasks, the control of vehicles and interactions with locals, and measures to respond to emergencies in case of attack.

The event will also cover exercises concerning security scenarios.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Director of the VDPO Major General Hoang Kim Phung lauded France’s peacekeeping assistance for Vietnam.

He hoped more exchanges between the sides will be held, mentioning that Vietnam and the EU have recently signed an agreement on the establishment of a framework for the country’s participation in crisis management activities.

French Defence Attaché to Vietnam Lt. Col. Marc Razafindranaly praised Vietnam’s active participation in UN peacekeeping operations.

France is willing to help Vietnam train human resources for such missions, he said.