Attending the ceremony were leaders, commanders of agencies, units and all officers and staff of the UNISFA Mission. The Command of the Vietnam Engineering Corps and commanders of the units attended the ceremony.

Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer reviews the Guard of Honor. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Team

The highlight of the ceremony was the Parade with the participation of 8 units including: Vietnam Engineer Team, Indian Infantry Battalion, Ghana Infantry Battalion, Pakistan Infantry Battalion, Bangladesh Infantry Battalion, Nigerian Unit, Nepalese Unit and Chinese Helicopter Unit.

Laying wreaths in memory of UN peacekeepers who died while on duty. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Corps

At the ceremony, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer inspected the guard of honour and saluted the national flags of the sending countries. On behalf of all officers and staff of the UNISFA Mission, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, Brigadier General Abu Syed Mohammod Babikir - Deputy Commander of the Military Force (DFC) and the Mission leadership laid wreaths in memory of the UN peacekeepers who died while on duty.

The ceremony took place in a solemn atmosphere, demonstrating the sense of responsibility, solidarity, mutual assistance and determination to complete the United Nations peacekeeping mission of the Blue Berets of the UNISFA Mission in the Abyei region.

Parade of the Vietnam Engineering Corps. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Corps

Speaking at the ceremony, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr emphasized: This year's theme is " Peace begins with me ". I want each of us to remember this to continue to contribute to the community, to everyone. I appreciate your courage, actions and commitment to the United Nations peacekeeping mission.

On this occasion, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr conveyed the message of the UN Secretary-General: “Peacekeeping forces are the “beating heart” of a commitment to a more peaceful world . Over the past 75 years, they have supported people and communities affected by conflict and instability around the world.”

Scene of the Commemoration Ceremony. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Team

Within the framework of the ceremony, activities such as a golf tournament in Todach, a basketball tournament and a cultural and culinary festival took place, which were enthusiastically participated in and positively responded to by the units.

At the Cultural and Culinary Exchange Festival, each unit introduced a booth with unique specialties imbued with the traditions of each country and ethnic group. The culinary booth of the Vietnam Engineering Corps made a strong impression on the guests and other units. Traditional costumes such as ao dai, ao ba ba, and red flag shirts with yellow stars worn by female soldiers of the Vietnam Engineering Corps attracted special attention from international friends.

Representatives of the Vietnamese Engineering Team took a photo with the commander and leaders of the UNISFA Mission. Photo: Engineering Team No. 1

On this occasion, through the TV screen, the Vietnam Engineering Team introduced films about the country, people and famous landscapes of Vietnam. In particular, traditional Vietnamese dishes such as sticky rice cakes, banh te, fried cakes, spring rolls, shrimp chips, pumpkin sweet soup, coffee, lemon tea, etc. brought to the Festival by female soldiers of the Engineering Team attracted a large number of diners to enjoy. The culinary booth of the Vietnam Engineering Team was always bustling with diners coming to enjoy the food and take pictures with the beautiful female soldiers in traditional costumes.

International guests take souvenir photos with Vietnamese UN peacekeeping officers at the cultural and culinary exchange festival. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Corps
Vietnamese food stalls always attract a large number of diners. Photo: Vietnam Engineering Corps.

At the cultural and artistic exchange program, the units brought to the festival unique cultural performances imbued with traditional features. The Vietnam Engineering Corps brought to the program 2 performances: The bamboo flute solo by Lieutenant Phung Minh Hieu and “ Finding each other in the afternoon of Lim Festival ” performed by Major Pham Van Nam and Major Nguyen Thi Thanh Tam. The performances by the Vietnam Engineering Team brought to the festival a unique cultural feature rich in national identity, creating a good impression on international friends.

International Day of United Nations Peacekeepers celebrates the extraordinary contributions to international peace and security. Since 1948, more than two million peacekeepers have deployed in 71 Missions, helping countries navigate the challenges of war and peace. There are currently more than 87,000 UN peacekeepers from 125 countries deployed in 12 Missions.

MAI NGUYEN