Vietnam’s search and rescue in Turkey affirms its responsibility for international service

The event was attended by Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang and Deputy Minister of Public Security Major General Nguyen Van Long, other leaders and representatives of the two ministries, and 100 troops engaged in overcoming earth quake's aftermath in Turkey.

Addressing the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held that in addition to participating in U.N. peacekeeping operations, Vietnam continued to send troops to perform the search and rescue mission in Turkey. It has contributed to realizing the sound foreign policy, the sense of responsibility and the international solidarity spirit of the Vietnamese Party, State and people, in which, Vietnam is willing to be a friend, a reliable partner and a responsible member of the international community, for the goal of peace, cooperation, and development in the region and the world.

That Vietnam sent search and rescue forces to perform tasks overseas for the first time promoted the country's potentials, capability and prestige in international arena. It proved Vietnam People's Army (VPA)'s ability to accomplish international tasks far from home and under harsh conditions, thereby expanding the image of Vietnamese country and people.

The prime minister also hailed the troops' efforts in overcoming difficulties and challenges to accomplish their assigned duties in Turkey, contributing to promoting the images of the VPA and the Public Security force.

On behalf of the Party, State, the prime minister applauded the MND and the Ministry of Public Security and press agencies that they quickly disseminated information about the troops' task performance in Turkey.

According to Major General Pham Van Ty, Deputy Director of the Search and Rescue Department under the General Staff, Deputy Chief of the Standing Office of the National Committee for Incidents, Disaster Response, and Search and Rescue, and Head of the VPA delegation to assist Turkey's rescue efforts, the delegation has gained valuable experience in performing search and rescue missions and response ability in emergency circumstances.

At the meeting, the forces shared difficulties in performing search and rescue missions in Turkey as well as their unforgettable memories in the host country.

Concluding the event, the prime minister underscored the importance of implementing search and rescue missions in the coming time, especially in the cause of protecting national security and social order. He noted that fine-tuning of mechanisms, policies and laws in the effort is a key and urgent task, adding that it is necessary to learn lessons from the mission in Turkey to add them into training sessions, enhance coordination among relevant ministries, agencies and localities in coping with non-traditional security issues as well as raise public involvement in the effort.

On the occasion, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh presented certificates of merit to collectives and individuals in recognition of their contribution to the effort.

Translated by Minh Anh