State President sees off “blue beret” soldiers

President Nguyen Xuan Phuc attended a ceremony Wednesday to see off 184 officers and soldiers of Viet Nam’s Engineering Unit Rotation 1 and Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 4, who will undertake UN peacekeeping missions in Abyei and South Sudan.

The event drew the attendance of UN representatives in Viet Nam, the Ambassadors of China, Russia, the U.S., India, Australia to Viet Nam, and others.

This is the first time Viet Nam has sent military engineers to join UN peacekeeping operations.

During their mission in South Sudan, the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 4 will focus on applying technology in medical examination and treatment, which will be the premise for them to conduct scientific research.

The hospital will also continue working on public communications and disease prevention in the harsh environment of the area.

Addressing the event, President Nguyen expressed gratitude to the UN, countries, and international organizations for their valuable support and assistance for Viet Nam's participation in the UN-led peacekeeping missions, and hoped they would continue support and assistance for Viet Nam in the future.

Viet Nam started participating in the UN peacekeeping missions in June 2014.

Taking into account the latest deployment, Viet Nam has sent a total of 76 officers on individual duties, and 436 soldiers in groups on UN peacekeeping missions.