Vietnam Enhances Participation in UN Peacekeeping Operations

Vietnam is expanding its participation in United Nations peacekeeping operations, with the latest deployment seeing the eighth rotation of its Level-2 Field Hospital unit and the fifth rotation of its Engineering Unit bound for missions in South Sudan and Abyei, respectively. A Royal Australian Air Force C-17 military transport aircraft arrived in Hanoi on September 23 to carry Vietnam’s Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 8 to South Sudan. The Ministry of National Defence held a departure ceremony at Noi Bai International Airport on September 22 for this unit and the Engineering Unit Rotation 5. This active engagement in peacekeeping underscores Vietnam's commitment to fulfilling its international responsibilities. Alongside its economic development, Vietnam places significant emphasis on contributing to global peace and security, with PKO participation serving as a concrete manifestation of this policy. Meanwhile, during his working trip to the US, General Secretary of the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee and President To Lam engaged in a series of meetings in New York. Beyond attending the high-level general debate of the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, he met with leaders of major US corporations such as JPMorganChase, Visa, Boeing, and Apple, as well as US Senator Steve Daines and Vietnamese experts and intellectuals in the US. These discussions focused on investment, aviation, and technology cooperation, signaling Vietnam's ambition to enhance international partnerships and attract foreign investment. He also met with leaders of the Communist Party USA and American friends. The meetings with US business leaders, including Thomas R. Hardy, Acting Director of the US Trade and Development Agency (USTDA), highlight Vietnam’s focus on economic ties. Furthermore, Kanni Wignaraja, UN Assistant Secretary-General and Regional Director for Asia and the Pacific at the UNDP, noted that Vietnam, with its transformative journey from war to peace and underdevelopment to prosperity, can offer valuable lessons for fostering trust and enhancing multilateralism. Under its one-party system, Vietnam has prioritized economic growth. However, in recent years, it has increasingly deepened its engagement with the international community, with PKO participation being a notable aspect. In the context of complex relations with China, Vietnam's efforts to strengthen ties with Western countries, including the US, can be understood as part of its broader diplomatic strategy. Separately, the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) announced it will host the 59th Executive Board Meeting of the Organisation of Asia-Pacific News Agencies (OANA) in Vietnam in 2027, signaling its active role in regional media cooperation. Information Source: VietnamPlus English