Vietnamese blue berets celebrate Independence Day in Abyei

The event was not only an occasion to the nation’s heroic traditions, but also served as a bridge for cultural diplomacy, disseminating the image of Viet Nam and its people to international friends.

At the ceremony, Senior Lieutenant Colonel Trinh Van Cuong, Commander of Engineering Unit Rotation 4, affirmed: “Celebrating National Day right at the location where we are carrying out an international mission is an occasion for every officer and staff member to honour their heritage and foster national pride. It also helps continue spreading the image of a friendly and peace-loving Viet Nam, while upholding the responsibility of Uncle Ho’s soldiers in the international peacekeeping mission.”

As part of the ceremony, an art programme choreographed and performed by officers and staff of the Engineering Unit themselves created a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere, vividly recreating the image of Viet Nam and its people, touching the hearts of many international friends, and attracting their interest.

At the ceremony, international delegates also had the opportunity to learn about Viet Nam’s history, President Ho Chi Minh, and General Vo Nguyen Giap through books. This helped international friends acquire a more profound comprehension of the Vietnamese nation’s tradition of gratitude and aspiration for peace.

In addition, delegates visited a display of products grown by the unit, a highlight reflecting the spirit of self-reliance and the resilient adaptability of Viet Nam’s blue berets. Amid the harsh natural conditions in Abyei, the vegetable garden cultivated by officers and staff of Engineering Unit Rotation 4 not only helps ensure logistics and improve living conditions, but also stands as a vivid testament to the determination of Vietnamese soldiers to surmount adversities.

Speaking after the ceremony, Brigadier General Adebowale Oladimeji Ajagbe, Deputy Force Commander of the United Nations Interim Security Force for Abyei, said: “We were deeply impressed by the heroic historical stories and by the materials on President Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap presented at today’s event. Seeing fresh produce cultivated in the harsh conditions of Abyei was also a great surprise, and a clear demonstration of your proactiveness and spirit of self-reliance.”

The National Day celebration at Highway Base concluded, imparting a lasting impression of a compassionate and resilient Viet Nam that continues to spread fine values even on the frontline of United Nations peacekeeping.