President Vo Van Thuong addresses the deployment ceremony in HCM City on June 29.

On the morning of June 29, President Vo Van Thuong, Commander of the People's armed forces and Chairman of the National Defence and Security Council, attended and delivered a speech at the departure ceremony of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 5, Engineering Unit Rotation 2 to carry out the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan and Abyei. Attending the ceremony were leaders of several ministries/branches, the Ministry of National Defense, Ho Chi Minh City leaders, and the UN representative in Vietnam.

Green beret soldiers ready to go on duty at the United Nations

According to Doctor Nguyen Ha Ngoc, Director of Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 5, this hospital would replace Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 4, which has completed the task.

Sixty-three members, including 11 females, are selected from Military Regions 5, 7, 9, Army 4, Military Hospital 175, Department of Peacekeeping Vietnam, and other units.

Members are thoroughly trained in all aspects, including politics, military, technical logistics, medical expertise, and peacekeeping knowledge close to the actual situation, fully meeting all requirements of the United Nations and duties at the Mission.

Engineering Unit Rotation 2 will replace Engineering Unit Rotation 1 in Abyei, consisting of 184 members, including 19 females, who are mobilized from many military regions and branches.

Engineering Unit Rotation 2 members are specialized and trained in international humanitarian law, sexual violence prevention, explosive ordnance identification, engineering expertise exchange, foreign languages, medical care, technical logistics, etc.

For the second time in joining a UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan in a harsh environment, Captain Nguyen Manh Hiep showed his determination to complete the assigned task successfully.

"More than 10,000 km away from the country, I am a little worried, but I always receive the care, encouragement, and support of my wife and family," Captain Hiep said.

Soldier Nguyen Phuoc Tuong and his wife Pham My Linh (Photo: Nguyen Hang)

Before boarding the plane on duty, soldier Hoang Thi Thuong of the 2nd Engineers Squadron stayed with her relatives, sharing her homesickness and 2-year-old son.

Presenting the Decision and the national flag to the peacekeepers at the military departure ceremony, President Vo Van Thuong praised, acknowledged, and highly appreciated the Vietnamese officers, soldiers, and green berets, including officials, employees, and soldiers of the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 4 and Engineering Unit Rotation 1 about their results.

The State President affirmed that the Party and State always believed and were proud of the results Vietnam's peacekeeping forces achieved over the past time. At the same time, he believes that the squads and units deployed to the area of the Mission will replace, inheriting the achievements of the previous peacekeeping forces.

Video and some pictures at the departure ceremony of "green beret" soldiers:

The President presents gifts to the United Nations peacekeeping force. Photo: Chi Hung

The "green beret" soldiers showed determination to complete the Mission successfully. Photo: Chi Hung.

Hospital 175 leaders encouraged female soldiers to complete their tasks. Photo: Nguyen Hang

Soldier Nguyen Phuoc Tuong bid farewell to his wife before boarding the plane. Photo: Chi Hung

Soldiers board a C-17 aircraft. Photo: Chi Hung

Captain Nguyen Manh Hiep takes pictures with his mother and wife before parting on a mission. Photo: Nguyen Hang