Independence Day of the Blue Berets in Abyei

On September 2 local time, Engineer Team No. 2 held a ceremony to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day at the United Nations Interim Security Mission in Abyei (UNISFA), Abyei, Africa.

Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr, Commander of the UNISFA Mission, representatives of the mission agencies, units stationed in the area and local authorities, and all Vietnamese peacekeeping forces on peacekeeping duty in Abyei attended the celebration.

Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung and UNISFA Mission Commander, Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr (2nd from left) at the celebration of the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day

THINH TRAN

“Today is the anniversary of a remarkable journey of a heroic country,” Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyer said at the ceremony. He said Vietnam had gone through many years of war and gained independence after persistent struggles. This helped the Vietnamese people understand the value of peace.

“Today, thousands of miles from home, Vietnamese peacekeepers are risking their lives to bring local people peace, hope and a chance for a better life,” said Major General Benjamin Olufemi Sawyerr.

Performance by Engineering Team No. 2 at the celebration

THINH TRAN

The UNISFA Mission Commander said that the government and people of Abyei highly appreciated the work done by the Vietnamese peacekeeping force since its deployment to UNISFA. In addition to its main mission, the Vietnamese peacekeeping force also carried out many activities to support local people.

“Viet Nam has come a long way and UNISFA is proud to be your partner,” the UNISFA Mission Commander stressed.

Delegates cut the cake to celebrate the 78th anniversary of Vietnam's National Day.

THINH TRAN

Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, Commander of the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in Abyei, affirmed that over the past 78 years, the Party, State and people of Vietnam have continuously fought to protect independence, sovereignty, unity, territorial integrity, the nation's right to self-determination and the people's right to freedom and happiness with the spirit that "nothing is more precious than independence and freedom".

During more than 1 year of deployment at the UNISFA Mission, the Vietnamese peacekeeping force has closely coordinated with the agencies and units of the mission to consolidate and build a better Abyei land, helping the people here have better living conditions and children have a more developed education.

Delegates especially loved the traditional Vietnamese fried spring rolls. Engineer Team No. 2 prepared 1,800 fried spring rolls of 3 types: beef, chicken, vegetarian spring rolls and all were enjoyed by the delegates.

THINH TRAN

According to Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, in the coming time, the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in Abyei will face many difficulties and hardships in terms of climate, human resources, materials, etc. However, the Vietnamese peacekeeping force in general and the Engineering Team No. 2 in particular believe that they will excellently complete all assigned tasks.

Mr. Hung also hopes to receive attention and support from agencies, units in the mission, authorities and local communities in the process of performing his duties.

At the ceremony, delegates enjoyed performances of arts and martial arts by the blue beret soldiers of the 2nd Engineering Team, watched an introduction to Vietnamese culture and people, and enjoyed Vietnamese cuisine.

Thanhnien.vn