Vietnam, UN Strengthen Cooperation in Peacekeeping Operations
	Vietnam’s People's Public Security Force Actively Contributes to UN Peacekeeping Operations

Since 2014, Vietnam has deployed 1,083 officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army and People's Public Security officers to participate in the United Nations peacekeeping force. (Photo: KIEU GIANG)

Since achieving peace and reunification, the Party and State of Vietnam have consistently pursued a foreign policy based on independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation, and development. Vietnam has prioritized the multilateralization and diversification of foreign relations while proactively engaging in international integration, positioning itself as a friend, reliable partner, and responsible member of the global community.

On November 23, 2012, the Politburo approved the Overall Plan on Vietnam’s participation in United Nations peacekeeping activities. Subsequently, on April 10, 2013, the Politburo issued Resolution No. 22-NQ/TW on international integration, outlining the strategic direction of "proactively and actively participating in multilateral institutions," including higher-level activities such as United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Major General Pham Manh Thang, Party Secretary, Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department. (Photo: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department)

On May 27, 2014, the Ministry of National Defense announced the Decision to establish the Vietnam Peacekeeping Center, the predecessor of the current Vietnam Peacekeeping Department. On the same day, Vietnam deployed its first two military officers to serve as liaison officers in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in South Sudan. This marked a historic milestone in Vietnam’s official participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, reinforcing the country’s commitment to global peace and security.

Spreading image of a peace-loving nation

Since 2014, Vietnam's participation in the United Nations peacekeeping force has left a significant mark. According to Major General Pham Manh Thang, Secretary of the Party Committee and Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, Vietnam has steadily expanded its contributions. "Over the past 11 years, from the first officers on individual missions at the United Nations Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan, to date, Vietnam has successfully deployed 1,083 officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People's Army and People's Public Security, with two types of units and individuals," stated Major General Pham Manh Thang.

Vietnam's peacekeeping force contributes to spreading the image of "Uncle Ho's soldiers" and the country. (Photo: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department)

Vietnam has deployed six Level 2 Field Hospital squads with a total of 63 soldiers, the first of which was sent to Bentiu, South Sudan in 2018. Additionally, Vietnam has deployed three Engineer Squads consisting of 184 soldiers, with the first squad stationed in 2022 in the Abyei region, Africa, an area known for its complex conflicts.

Vietnam has sent 137 individual officers from the Vietnam People's Army and 16 officers from the People's Public Security to serve in United Nations peacekeeping missions across multiple locations, including the Abyei region, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, as well as at the United Nations headquarters in New York.

With bravery, professionalism, and a strong sense of responsibility, the Vietnam People's Army has consistently excelled in its peacekeeping missions, earning high praise from United Nations leaders and international colleagues. The Vietnam Level 2 Field Hospital teams in South Sudan have provided high-quality healthcare and treatment to numerous patients, including United Nations staff and local residents. They have successfully performed complex surgeries, such as microsurgery to reattach the hand of a Pakistani colleague, and have conducted emergency airlifts for critically ill pregnant women. Meanwhile, the Vietnam Engineering Team has showcased exceptional technical expertise, actively contributing to transforming the infrastructure and operational effectiveness of the United Nations Mission in the Abyei region.

The Vietnamese Blue Beret Soldiers are loved by the local people. (Photo: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department)

Beyond fulfilling their United Nations-assigned missions, the blue beret force of the Vietnam People's Army—including the Level 2 Field Hospital, the Engineering Team, and individually deployed officers—has carried out numerous humanitarian initiatives to support local authorities and communities.

The Vietnamese peacekeeping force has actively repaired and upgraded roads, assisted schools in building and renovating classrooms, and organized educational activities for children. They have also drilled water wells, provided medical examinations and treatment, distributed free medicine, and guided local residents in farming techniques to improve livelihoods. These noble humanitarian efforts, deeply meaningful to the community, have strengthened the connection between United Nations peacekeepers and local populations.

In addition to carrying out United Nations missions, the Vietnamese Blue Berets organize meaningful activities for the local authorities and people. (Photo: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department)

The efforts of the Vietnamese blue beret force have always been highly appreciated by the United Nations leaders and the leaders of the Missions.

“We have left a beautiful and profound image of the Vietnamese blue beret soldier, the image of "Uncle Ho’s soldiers” - contributing to spreading the noble humanistic values ​​of the Vietnamese people, a peace-loving nation”, said Major General Pham Manh Thang.

Vietnam continues to strive for global missions

In the future, as the demands of international integration and defense diplomacy continue to grow, strengthening the Vietnam People's Army peacekeeping force to become more professional, disciplined, and modern is more crucial than ever.

Vietnam has a higher rate of female soldiers in peacekeeping forces than the United Nations average. (Photo: KIEU GIANG)

According to Major General Pham Manh Thang, Vietnam will continue to maintain its forces in the area and deepen its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations. This commitment includes increasing both the quantity and quality of personnel and equipment, ensuring alignment with the country’s capabilities, conditions, and evolving requirements. Additionally, Vietnam aims to expand the proportion of female soldiers within its peacekeeping force.

The Vietnamese peacekeeping force will also enhance external information efforts, propaganda, and education, raising awareness among both the public and military about the position, significance, and importance of this noble mission.

Furthermore, leaders and commanders of relevant agencies and units must regularly disseminate information, propagate, and educate officers and soldiers, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the purpose and significance of UN peacekeeping efforts. This includes fostering a deep grasp of the Party’s policies on international integration and defense diplomacy, as well as Vietnam’s consistent goals, viewpoints, and positions in bilateral and multilateral relations.

Vietnam's participation in UN peacekeeping operations aims to consistently implement its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, proactiveness, and active international integration. (Photo: KIEU GIANG)

For forces directly involved, it is essential to provide both theoretical and practical training, enabling them to effectively communicate with local populations and ensure a clear understanding that the "blue beret" force's activities strictly adhere to the United Nations Charter and international law, contributing to regional and global peace.

Emphasis must be placed on strengthening the political resilience of officers and soldiers, fostering a responsible approach in mission execution, and ensuring adherence to United Nations principles and regulations. Additionally, personnel must maintain determination, overcome challenges, and fully commit to successfully completing their tasks.

Efforts to train and develop personnel must remain a priority. This includes leveraging support from international partners with extensive peacekeeping experience, alongside ongoing research, development, and structured training programs. Training should follow the motto "Basic, practical, solid, in-depth," integrating hands-on exercises and comprehensive drills to reinforce preparedness and effectiveness.

As the demands of international integration and defense diplomacy continue to grow, strengthening the Vietnam People's Army peacekeeping force to become more professional, disciplined, and modern is more crucial than ever. (Photo: Vietnam Peacekeeping Department)

The training program focuses on foreign language proficiency, specialized peacekeeping knowledge, pre-deployment survival skills, international law, humanitarian law, and an understanding of the country, people, and regulations of the host nation. It also covers mission-specific conditions, United Nations regulations, and assigned tasks. Additionally, the program prioritizes supplementing specialized knowledge in areas such as military medicine and engineering, ensuring that peacekeeping personnel are fully prepared to adapt quickly to the operational environment at United Nations missions.

In coordination with central ministries, departments, and agencies, efforts are underway to finalize the Draft Law on Participation in United Nations Peacekeeping Forces. The goal is to submit it to the National Assembly for approval during the 9th Session of the 15th tenure in June 2025. This legislation will institutionalize the Party’s guidelines and policies on Vietnam’s engagement in United Nations peacekeeping operations, creating a strong, long-term, and stable legal framework for the continued deployment of Vietnamese peacekeeping forces.

Director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, Pham Manh Thang, emphasized the importance of conducting regular and effective preliminary and final reviews to evaluate performance, identify shortcomings, and draw valuable lessons. He also stressed the need to recognize and reward outstanding groups and individuals for their achievements in peacekeeping missions.

These serve as a foundation for practical experience-sharing, enabling cadres and officers to expand their knowledge, refine independent situation-handling skills, and strengthen their ability to coordinate in accordance with international codes of conduct. By continuously improving work quality and efficiency in a multinational environment, Vietnam’s peacekeeping personnel can successfully meet the expectations set by the Party, State, and Army.

Vietnam Consistently Implements a National Defense Policy of Peace and Self-defense Vietnam consistently and transparently implements its national defense policy of peace and self-defense, always choosing and standing on the side of justice.

Outstanding achievements in foreign affairs during the construction and defense of socialist Vietnam Vietnam's steadfast and flexible diplomatic efforts have contributed to controlling and preventing conflicts, maintaining a peaceful and stable environment for development.