Vietnam to host ASEAN peacekeeping meeting

Vietnam officially assumed the role of the host of the 8th Annual General Meeting of ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres Network (APCN) in 2020 within the closing session of the 7th APCN held in Malaysia on September 6.

Major General Hoang Kim Phung speaks at the 7th APCN. (Photo: VNA)
Major General Hoang Kim Phung speaks at the 7th APCN. (Photo: VNA)

According to Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations Major General Hoang Kim Phung, the purpose of APCN is to strengthen cooperation on issues related to peacekeeping activities and improve coordination and cooperation in carrying out partnership activities on peacekeeping among ASEAN member countries.

APCN also aims to establish close links between ASEAN member countries to facilitate the rapid sharing of information and good lessons learned about peacekeeping operations, as well as to support the ASEAN Peacekeeping Centres to improve training and preparation for forces participating in UN peacekeeping operations.

Major General Hoang Kim Phung emphasised that Vietnam has repeatedly pledged to actively participate in UN peacekeeping activities as well as to enhance ASEAN's peacekeeping capacity.

Vietnam’s efforts have been recognised by the UN as well as regional and international friends, he said.

The 8th APCN will be a good opportunity for Vietnam to show its readiness for joint international and regional affairs on peacekeeping, but also to build the image of Vietnam as a responsible member of ASEAN as well as the UN, he noted.

The 7th APCN took place from September 2-6 with the participation of 24 delegates from ASEAN member countries and the ASEAN Secretariat.