African people danced and waved Vietnamese flags alongside the blue beret soldiers.

WATCH VIDEO :

In anticipation of the 81st anniversary of the founding of the Vietnam People's Army, the 4th Engineering Team at the UNISFA Mission organized a humanitarian gift-giving event, spreading the spirit of "Uncle Ho's Soldiers" and strengthening friendship with the people of Abyei.

On December 15th, the 4th Engineering Battalion's gift-giving program took place in a warm and friendly atmosphere at the Catholic Church grounds and surrounding residential areas in the Abyei region.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Son, Deputy Commander of Engineering Team No. 4, presents school supplies to students in Abyei. Photo: Engineering Team

Hundreds of gift packages containing essential supplies, school supplies, and clothing were handed directly to the people and children, carrying the love and sharing spirit of Vietnam to this struggling region of Africa. Notably, among the gifts were many sets of clothing donated by Vietnamese people.

This activity not only demonstrates profound gratitude for the tradition of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" - being close to the people and helping the people - but also continues the beautiful cultural values of the Vietnam People's Army in fulfilling its mission of maintaining peace with the United Nations.

Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Son, Deputy Commander of Engineering Team No. 4, said that the team organized this activity with all the respect and affection from the heart.

"We always remember President Ho Chi Minh 's teaching that helping the people of a neighboring country is helping ourselves," Lieutenant Colonel Tran Thanh Son shared.

Deeply moved by this sentiment, Father Archangelo Michael, representing the Catholic Church in Abyei, shared: “We see in the Vietnamese soldiers not only the strength to protect but also unconditional love expressed through their actions. You have brought to the children here not only books but also faith in a bright future. The people of Abyei regard the Vietnamese soldiers as family, as companions.”

Children wave Vietnamese flags on the day they receive gifts. Photo: Engineering Corps.

At the gift-giving area, many local people also expressed their sincere gratitude to the Vietnamese soldiers in blue berets. The image of children holding the red flag with a yellow star, smiling innocently alongside the Vietnamese soldiers in blue berets, left a lasting impression.

In less than three months since taking up their duties, Vietnam's 4th Engineering Team not only successfully completed the tasks assigned by the UNISFA Mission but also actively supported the local community, most notably the repair and upgrading of the Banton Bridge – a vital transportation artery of particular importance to the security and socio-economic life of the region.

Technical contributions coupled with humanitarian assistance activities have forged a strong bond between Vietnamese peacekeeping forces and local people.

The 4th Engineering Team, comprising 184 officers and personnel, was deployed from the Air Force, Navy, Military Regions 1, 2, 3, and 4; the 12th Corps; the Engineering, Special Forces, and Communications branches; the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department; and several other agencies and units. The team departed for Abyei on September 26th to replace the 3rd Engineering Team.

Abyei is a disputed area between Sudan and South Sudan. In 2011, the two countries signed an agreement committing to withdraw troops from the demilitarized zone in Abyei and establish a joint mechanism to resolve the issue. However, little substantive progress has been made to date.

UNISFA was established in 2011 under United Nations Security Council Resolution 1990 with the mission of protecting civilians and promoting demilitarization in Abyei.

Comment (0)