Delegates pose for a photo at the opening ceremony of the training course. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

The opening ceremony was chaired by Deputy Defence Minister Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh, who heads the MOD’s steering committee for Vietnam’s UN peacekeeping operations. It also saw the presence of representatives from the Ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence of Japan, the UN Resident Coordinators’ Office in Vietnam, and the Embassies and Defence Attache Offices of the countries which have soldiers taking part of the training course.

Taking place from February 10 to March 14, the training camp aims to improve the knowledge and skills concerning the operation, maintenance and repair of heavy engineering equipment for Vietnamese learners and those from other Asian nations, towards supporting the rapid and effective deployment of the tasks of the engineering units involved in peacekeeping activities at the UN Missions.

The course also contributes to training officers and professional soldiers who are capable of serving as lecturers and coaches for the UN peacekeeping forces and are ready to join as lecturers for future international training courses if selected.

At the same time, the event acts to advertise the image, role and capabilities of Vietnam in contributing to UN peacekeeping activities, while strengthening mutual understanding, friendship and cooperation in the field of UN peacekeeping between Vietnam and the UN, Japan and TPP members.

This is the third training course hosted by Vietnam within the TPP framework, following the previous two in 2018 and 2019. With the help of 29 Japanese experts and TPP coordinators, 20 international students from five countries (Bhutan, Cambodia, Indonesia, Nepal and Vietnam) will be instructed on the training methods and the creation of lectures and presentations for training on the use of heavy military equipment.

The TPP has been officially implemented by the UN since 2014. In 2018, Vietnam was the first country in the Asia-Pacific region selected by the UN to host the pilot training course under the TPP. According to Sen. Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh, Vietnam being chosen to host the training courses in 2019 and 2020 shows the UN’s initial recognition of the country’s efforts as a responsible member, while contributing to realising Vietnam’s commitment to continue to make extensive and effective contributions to peacekeeping missions. 

Vinh asked the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, the Engineering High Command and relevant units to implement training at the request of Japanese and UN lecturers, ensure absolute safety during the training process, and promptly report on any problems that arise. Nhan Dan

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