Expanding cooperation and strengthening mobilization of resources to overcome the consequences of bombs and mines

Photo caption — Conference scene. Photo: Tuan Anh/VNA

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, member of the Party Central Committee, member of the Central Military Commission, Deputy Minister of National Defense , Head of the Standing Office of the National Steering Committee for Overcoming the Consequences of Post-War Bombs, Mines and Toxic Chemicals in Vietnam (Steering Committee 701) chaired the Conference. Also attending were Senior Lieutenant General Phung Si Tan, Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army, Deputy Head of the Standing Office of Steering Committee 701; representatives of leaders of a number of ministries, branches, central and local agencies; representatives of military agencies, units, domestic enterprises, embassies of foreign countries, international organizations, non-governmental organizations, experts and scientists.

The conference is an important forum to raise awareness and responsibility of all levels and sectors; at the same time, improve the effectiveness of international cooperation, mobilize funding, attract resources, especially from 13 countries with comprehensive strategic partnerships with Vietnam.

Implementing the National Action Program on overcoming post-war bomb and mine consequences in Vietnam for the period 2010-2025 (Program 504), Vietnam has proactively strengthened international cooperation in the field of overcoming bomb and mine consequences; promptly shared experiences, enhanced capacity and mobilized funding with partners such as the Governments of the United States, Japan, Korea, Norway, the UK, France, the Netherlands, Canada, Germany; international organizations and foreign non-governmental organizations such as the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), the United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS)...

In addition, Vietnam has also proactively expanded its cooperation with national mine action agencies and the International Mine Action Agency (GICHD), ASEAN region (ARMAC); closely coordinated with embassies of countries, international organizations, foreign non-governmental organizations to negotiate, exchange, sign and implement memoranda of understanding, contributing to improving the capacity of VNMAC in particular and Vietnam in general, attracting a number of international resources to ensure mine action activities...

With these efforts, in the 2020-2025 period, international cooperation and fundraising activities of VNMAC and localities have achieved many positive results, mobilizing 44 projects with a total committed aid value of 138.5 million USD, making an important contribution to the work of overcoming the consequences of post-war bombs and mines in Vietnam. Of which, VNMAC has 10 projects; Quang Tri province has 30 projects and Hue city has 4 projects.

Regarding the investigation, survey and clearance of bombs and mines, in 2023 and 2024, the Ministry of National Defense has presided over and coordinated with ministries, branches and localities to deploy investigation, survey and clearance activities nationwide to serve socio -economic development and ensure safety for the people. As a result, 73,198 hectares of bombs and mines have been cleared nationwide, of which the military has cleared 59,310 hectares, VNMAC and international organizations have coordinated the clearance of 13,888 hectares...

At the Conference, delegates heard information about Vietnam's strategy in socio-economic development associated with national defense and security and mine remediation. Representatives of domestic and international organizations and businesses contributed their enthusiastic opinions on mine remediation, directly sponsored or committed to sponsor, clearly demonstrating the shared responsibility to overcome the consequences of mines - leaving no one behind.

Praising the efforts of all levels, sectors and socio-political organizations from the central to local levels in implementing Program 504, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien thanked the governments of various countries and international organizations for their practical and effective contributions to Vietnam in overcoming the consequences of bombs and mines.

To speed up the speed of overcoming the consequences of bombs and mines, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien requested VNMAC and the competent agencies of the Ministry of National Defense to complete the summary of Program 504 in 2025, develop and submit to the Prime Minister for promulgation the National Action Program to overcome the consequences of post-war bombs and mines in the new period to ensure science, efficiency, and suitability with reality. At the same time, urgently complete the development of the Ordinance on overcoming the consequences of post-war bombs and mines and advise and develop projects, plans, and synchronous systems of legal documents, thereby creating favorable conditions for domestic and foreign organizations and individuals to participate in overcoming the consequences of post-war bombs and mines.

Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien noted that it is necessary to step up propaganda and education to raise awareness among organizations and individuals about preventing mine and explosive accidents; strengthen international cooperation in science and technology, mine disposal and training; mobilize resources to speed up the progress of overcoming the consequences of post-war mines and bombs in Vietnam; effectively manage and use resources in technology, finance, etc., ensuring transparency and reliability.

The Head of the Standing Office of Steering Committee 701 also called on domestic and international businesses, organizations and individuals to continue to join hands in supporting resources to help Vietnam speed up the work of overcoming the consequences of post-war bombs and mines.

On this occasion, the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) in Vietnam and Peace Trees Vietnam (PTVN) received the Friendship Medal from the President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam; 3 international organizations, 19 groups and 7 individuals received Certificates of Merit from the Prime Minister for their contributions to supporting the work of overcoming the consequences of bombs and mines in Vietnam in the period 2006 - 2022.

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/thoi-su/mo-rong-hop-tac-tang-cuong-van-dong-tai-tro-nguon-luc-khac-phuc-hau-qua-bom-min-20251021130728195.htm