Preserving the 'springtime spirit' on the 'paths of peace'

According to information from the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department (Ministry of National Defence), despite performing international duties in areas far from the homeland, the atmosphere of "Spring" has arrived very close to the United Nations peacekeeping missions these days – where the blue beret soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army are working tirelessly day and night to fulfill their noble mission.

Female soldiers of the 2nd Engineering Battalion at a farewell ceremony before departing for their United Nations peacekeeping mission at UNISFA, Abyei region. (Photo courtesy of An Dang/VNA)

Promoting the image of Vietnam, rich in cultural identity, in the mission area.

At the MINUSCA mission (Central Africa), these days spring arrives at the base of the Vietnamese blue beret soldiers with the scorching sun and the characteristic red dust of the equatorial region.

Assigned as a Communications Officer at the MINUSCA mission (Central Africa), Lieutenant Colonel Dang Thu Ha set off with only a month left until Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year). She shared that she vividly remembers the lively atmosphere when the entire MINUSCA task force discussed what to bring for her first Tet away from home. She also remembers the meticulous instructions from Senior Lieutenant Colonel Bui Thi Minh Nguyet, her predecessor whom she had never met but felt as close as a sister, from how to pack spices to how to keep items from her previous assignment. That baggage was a "miniature Vietnam" with red couplets, a picture of President Ho Chi Minh, traditional cakes and candies, dried mushrooms, and more.

Amidst a busy schedule, Lieutenant Colonel Dang Thu Ha and her colleagues still personally created their own Tet (Lunar New Year) atmosphere. Without fresh flowers, they meticulously cut and pasted, using colored paper to shape each apricot and peach blossom petal; decorating their homes and arranging the five-fruit platter with local fruits.

"Knowing that the Vietnamese peacekeeping task force was preparing for Tet (Lunar New Year), Major Gimba – our international colleague from Nigeria – couldn't hide his excitement. His compliment about Vietnamese food being 'close to nature' made us even more proud. This Tet, we are not only celebrating for ourselves, but also having the opportunity to 'show off' to friends from all over the world a Vietnam rich in identity, humanity, and love for peace," Lieutenant Colonel Dang Thu Ha said.

Having recently taken up her duties at the MINUSCA mission, Senior Lieutenant Nguyen Thi Ngoc Tram, Training Staff Officer, shared that in the remote African region, amidst harsh living conditions and climate very different from Vietnam, celebrating Tet (Lunar New Year) according to traditional customs becomes even more meaningful.

At the MINUSCA mission, everything was scarce; there were no materials available for decorating for Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) or cooking familiar traditional dishes. To create a complete Tet atmosphere, the team members had to proactively pack and prepare every small item they brought from Vietnam. All of these items were filled with deep affection and longing for home. The peach and apricot blossom branches decorated and pasted on the walls – seemingly simple images – evoked memories of family, homeland, and joyful Tet celebrations.

"Seeing the national flag flying in the heart of Africa moved me deeply. It felt as if I had never been far from home, because my country is always in my heart, present in every corner of my workplace, enveloping me and motivating me to successfully complete my assigned tasks," Lieutenant Tram confided.

Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, Commander of the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), has worked in Vietnam and celebrated Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) in Vietnam on several occasions. Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian served as the Indian Defence Attaché to Vietnam from December 2008 to April 2012. He shared that during his tenure in Vietnam, he celebrated Tet in this "beautiful country" four times, in 2009, 2010, 2011, and 2012.

As a foreigner who lived in Vietnam for over three years, the Commander of the UNMISS Force believes that Tet (Lunar New Year) is a beautiful cultural tradition of Vietnam. Tet is not only a time for celebration but also a time for family reunions, remembering ancestors and roots. Thanking Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital No. 7 for its highly effective work at the mission, not only in providing medical treatment but also in CIMIC (civilian-military cooperation) activities and supporting communities in their daily lives, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian expressed his hope that Vietnam would expand its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations.

“I would like to thank the Government and the Ministry of Defence of Vietnam for sending elite military personnel to South Sudan as part of UNMISS,” Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian expressed.

On the occasion of the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026, Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian sent his best wishes to all the people of Vietnam in Vietnamese: “Happy New Year, wishing you health, prosperity, success in all endeavors, and good fortune. Happy New Year!”

"The colors of Vietnamese spring" are present at Abyei.

Celebrating Tet (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) away from home is a great challenge for many young officers and soldiers. For Lieutenant Nguyen Trung Kien, Logistics and Support Detachment (4th Engineering Team), his first Spring at the UNISFA mission (Abyei area) was an unforgettable experience. Amidst the scorching African sun, he and his comrades handcrafted peach blossom branches from colored paper, setting up Tet decorations to bring the atmosphere of home back to the base.

"There are times when I miss my mother's pickled onions, I miss the biting cold in the North, but seeing my comrades gathered around the paper peach blossom branch, I feel I've matured a lot," Lieutenant Kien shared.

The unit's "rice cake diplomacy" plan also holds great significance. The rice cakes, wrapped in wild banana leaves—though a lighter shade of green than traditional dong leaves—still retain the authentic taste of home. This very flavor becomes a cultural bridge, helping international friends better understand the traditional Vietnamese Tet holiday and the friendly image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers."

In Abyei, where dry season temperatures can reach 44°C, the 4th Engineering Brigade's primary mission upon deployment was the large-scale "rescue" of transportation infrastructure. The Banton Bridge, a vital transportation artery in the area, was promptly reinforced and repaired by the Brigade, ensuring the safe passage of both military and civilian vehicles. Many key local roads were also upgraded according to the strict technical procedures of the United Nations. Each meter of road completed not only facilitates the mobility of peacekeeping forces but also restores life to communities previously cut off during the rainy season.

Colonel Alexander De Lima, Chief of Staff of the UNISFA military force, expressed: “You are not only road and bridge builders, but also ambassadors of compassion and professionalism. Your extraordinary efforts have transformed the face of the mission day by day.”

In a land where clean water is more precious than gold, clearing roads serves not only security but also brings life to the local people. Seeing the roads, once narrow and full of potholes, now upgraded into corridors for "springtime deliveries" of clean water, Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong, Commander of Engineering Team No. 4, was deeply moved. For him, the most meaningful Tet gift lies in the shouts of "Vietnam! Vietnam!" from the children running along the newly paved road, clutching plastic containers.

"Seeing spring revived in the smiles of the local people when the water truck arrived, we understood that our mission had truly touched their hearts. That is the greatest happiness for a soldier in a green beret on the eve of the new year," Lieutenant Colonel Cuong shared.

The contingent of female peacekeeping officers of Vietnam. Photo: Lam Khanh/VNA

Amidst the peak of the dry season campaign and the approaching Lunar New Year, Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha, the newly appointed Commander of the United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Abyei region (UNISFA), recently paid special attention to the 4th Engineering Battalion of Vietnam. Despite a packed schedule after more than a month in office, the fact that the highest-ranking commander chose Highway Base as his inspection destination was not only a test of combat capabilities, but also a message of understanding and timely recognition for the Vietnamese soldiers in blue berets who tirelessly patrol the vital transportation routes.

Upon arriving at the base, the delegation's first impression was the orderliness and discipline in every living and working area. After five months of construction amidst harsh climatic conditions, the barracks of the 4th Engineering Team had truly undergone a transformation: the defense system was scientifically arranged; the living quarters were neat and tidy; and the technical area operated systematically, strictly adhering to United Nations safety regulations.

Amidst the African sun and wind, the vibrant colors of Vietnamese spring were strikingly present. The peach and apricot blossom branches crafted from colored paper; the solemn five-fruit platter; the Tet decorations reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the homeland… all surprised and delighted the Commander. He emphasized that, in an environment far from home, maintaining a positive spiritual life is fundamental to sustaining long-term combat readiness, especially in a harsh environment like Abyei.

During the meeting, the Special Mission Commander was particularly interested in the progress of upgrading strategic transportation routes – the "lifelines" ensuring the mobility of forces and logistics for the entire region during the dry season. Through the field monitoring system and professional reports, Major General Ganesh Kumar Shrestha highly appreciated the quality of construction by the Vietnamese Engineering Team.

“These vital transportation arteries are strategic corridors for people to access essential services and boost the economy. I highly appreciate the Vietnam Engineering Team No. 4 for its professional capabilities and strict adherence to the highest United Nations safety standards,” he affirmed. This recognition is considered the most valuable “certificate” of competence for the entire team as the new year approaches.

Amidst the red dust of Abyei, the spring of the Vietnamese blue beret soldiers is not only present in the pink blossoms of peach trees or the steaming pots of sticky rice cakes, but also in every meter of road extended, every bridge built with sweat and intelligence. Based on the trust of international friends and the support of the home front, these "roads of peace" will continue to be expanded with the courage, responsibility, and heart of the Vietnamese blue beret soldiers in their noble international mission.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/giu-nhip-xuan-บน-nhung-cung-duong-hoa-binh-20260216081942247.htm