A workshop of ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) on UN peacekeeping operations opened at the Vietnam Peacekeeping Center in Hanoi on December 19, co-chaired by the host, Canada and the Republic of Korea.

Senior Lieutenant General Nguyen Chi Vinh, Deputy Defense Minister and head of the Ministry of National Defense’s Steering Committee on Vietnam’s participation in UN peacekeeping operations, attended the opening ceremony.

At the opening ceremony

Under the theme “Enhancing the role of ARF in collaboration for peacekeeping capacity building and promotion of partnership with the UN,” the meeting aims to review the participation in UN peacekeeping operations of ARF member countries, discuss measures to minimize violations when joining UN peacekeeping operations, and improve their peacekeeping operations capacity.

Additionally, the forum will help improve the role of ARF members in UN peacekeeping operations, making contributions to peace, security, and prosperity in the region and the world as well.

Delivering his speech, General Vinh held that Vietnam is making strenuous efforts, with support from its partners and international organizations including ARF member states, to further boost the country’s UN peacekeeping capacity.

The General also underlined that by hosting this meeting, Vietnam will put forward some initiatives, such as connecting regional peacekeeping centers, exchanging peacekeeping instructors, and sharing training manuals.

The two-day event comprised three sessions, in turn chaired by Vietnam, the Republic of Korea, and Canada, which focused on sharing viewpoints and experiences, heightening ARF members’ cooperation, and developing strategic partnerships among ARF members in UN peacekeeping operations./.

( VNF/PANO )