Vietnamese military engineers 'transformed the face of Abyei'.

According to Lieutenant General Trinh Van Quyet, Vietnam's No. 1 Engineering Corps has transformed the face of Abyei by building bridges and roads for the local people.

On October 19, the Ministry of National Defence summarized the work of the No. 1 Engineering Team and the No. 4 Level 2 Field Hospital at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission.

Lieutenant General Trinh Van Quyet, Deputy Head of the General Political Department of the Vietnam People's Army, assessed that the two units had overcome difficult conditions and environments, demonstrating high professionalism and discipline. Engineering Team No. 1 had built, repaired, and upgraded the barracks infrastructure, bridges, and roads in the mission's operational area.

Performing routine rescue and towing missions, the Vietnamese Engineering Team has helped ensure smooth traffic flow for United Nations vehicles and civilians throughout the rainy season. The Engineering Team was selected by the UNISFA Mission Commander as a pioneering unit in the Smart Camp Project, restructuring the Mission's infrastructure.

The Deputy Head of the General Political Department expressed his delight that the doctors and medical staff of Field Hospital Level 2 No. 4 had admitted and treated nearly 1,500 patients, far exceeding the United Nations' requirements. Members of the hospital successfully handled many complex medical emergencies requiring high expertise; researched and applied treatment protocols based on traditional medicine and physiotherapy; and proactively participated in the prevention and control of diseases such as Covid-19, malaria, monkeypox, and Ebola.

General Quyet stated that the officers and staff of the two units have demonstrated good professional skills and a professional work style; they are always dedicated and committed to helping local people with practical and effective civil-military activities.

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien presents a certificate of outstanding individual achievement upon returning from completing his mission. Photo: Tuan Huy

Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defence, requested the Department of Peacekeeping to continue improving the legal framework and strengthening international cooperation in peacekeeping operations. "Vietnam is committed to maintaining its engineering corps, hospitals, and individual positions participating in UN peacekeeping missions; increasing the proportion of women participating and promoting gender equality," Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien stated.

In April 2022, the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department deployed Field Hospital 2.4, comprising 63 officers, to the UNMISS mission in South Sudan. In June 2022, Engineering Team No. 1, consisting of 184 officers and nearly 2,000 tons of equipment, was deployed to the UNISFA (Abyei) mission. To date, both units have completed their terms of service and returned home.

The Republic of South Sudan is grappling with violence, natural disasters, economic instability, and political and military conflict. UNMISS is the largest United Nations peacekeeping mission, with nearly 18,000 personnel. Its annual operating budget exceeds $1.2 billion, accounting for one-fifth of the UN's peacekeeping budget.

The Abyei region, covering an area of ​​10,546 square kilometers, is a disputed territory between Sudan and South Sudan following the 2005 civil war. Currently, the Abyei region is under the control of the Republic of Sudan. The UNISFA mission was established to maintain security and prevent conflict and disputes between these two countries.

Vnexpress.net