The ceremony was attended in person and online by members of Vietnamese representative agencies in New York, along with representatives of commanders and officers of the Vietnamese Army and Police forces on duty at UN peacekeeping missions in the Central African Republic, South Sudan, Abyei region and four Vietnamese peacekeeping officers on secondment at the UN Headquarters.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang speaks at the ceremony. Photo: VNA

Speaking at the ceremony, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang affirmed that Vietnam's active participation in UN peacekeeping activities since 2014 has been an important policy and decision of the Party and State in the integration process, and at the same time reflects Vietnam's new position and strength in the international arena. The results of Vietnam's participation in UN peacekeeping activities over the past 10 years have not only made practical contributions to the cause of protecting world peace and security but also contributed significantly to enhancing the position and prestige of the Vietnam People's Armed Forces, promoting the image of a peace-loving, trustworthy and responsible Vietnam. These proud achievements are thanks to the efforts and contributions of all relevant agencies and units, and most directly, the efforts and sacrifices of officers and soldiers on duty at UN peacekeeping missions as well as at the UN headquarters.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang quoted many UN leaders and international friends as highly appreciating the spirit of courage, self-reliance, and flexible and creative approach of Vietnamese peacekeeping forces in carrying out their missions and overcoming difficulties, especially their closeness, attachment, and wholehearted help to local people, creating the image of Vietnam's blue beret forces as truly "messengers of peace and friendship".

Delegates attend the celebration online. Photo: VNA

Speaking from the connecting points at the UN Peacekeeping Missions, Colonel Mac Duc Trong, Captain of the Vietnam Engineering Team No. 1 at the UN Peacekeeping Mission in Abyei (UNISFA); Colonel Le Quoc Huy, Head of the Ministry of Public Security 's Peacekeeping Working Group at the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS); Lieutenant Colonel Pham Quang Thieu, Commander of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Force in the Central African Republic; Lieutenant Colonel Vu Minh Duong, Director of Level 2 Field Hospital No. 4 in South Sudan; and Lieutenant Colonel Luong Truong Vinh - representing 4 Vietnamese peacekeeping officers working at the UN headquarters reported on the situation and results of the implementation of tasks in the area; expressed appreciation for the attention and affection of the leaders and members of the Vietnamese representative agencies in New York towards Vietnamese peacekeeping officers and soldiers.

The comrades affirmed that the units under their charge will continue to strive to successfully fulfill the noble international mission assigned by the Party, the State of Vietnam and the United Nations, continue to promote the qualities and noble traditions of the Vietnam People's Army and Public Security, and unite and strive to build and spread the good image of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in particular and the Vietnamese people in general in the hearts of local people and the international community.

On this occasion, on behalf of the entire Delegation and Vietnamese representative agencies in New York, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang expressed his deepest gratitude to the soul and family of martyr Lieutenant Colonel Do Anh, the first Vietnamese peacekeeping officer to die while on duty in the Central African Republic in early 2022. All delegates observed a minute of silence to commemorate the UN peacekeeping soldiers who have died over the past 75 years, including martyr Lieutenant Colonel Do Anh of the Vietnam People's Army.

On the same morning, at the UN headquarters, a series of events also took place to honor the contributions and sacrifices of the "blue beret" forces on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the International Day of the United Nations Peacekeeping Forces (May 29, 1948 / May 29, 2023).

United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres speaks at the ceremony. Photo: UNGA

Speaking at the commemoration ceremony organized by the United Nations, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres emphasized that in the context of escalating tensions and conflicts in many regions of the world, the UN peacekeeping force is considered a pillar of safety and hope for people in many countries and a symbol of multilateralism. In the 75 years of implementing UN peacekeeping activities, more than 4,200 military and civilian personnel from many countries have sacrificed their lives for the noble mission of international peace.

Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, on behalf of the State of Vietnam, received the Dag Hammarskjold Medal awarded by UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to martyr, Lieutenant Colonel Do Anh. Photo: UNGA

At the ceremony, the UN Secretary-General awarded the Dag Hammarskjold Medal - Medal for the cause of international peace to soldiers who died while performing their duties under the UN flag in 2022. Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, on behalf of the State of Vietnam, received the Dag Hammarskjold Medal awarded by the Secretary-General to martyr, Lieutenant Colonel Do Anh.

PEACE