Hanoi: Blue-beret Vietnamese officers and soldiers who are on duties in UN peacekeeping missions in South Sudan, Abyei on the border of South Sudan and Sudan, the Central African Republic, and at the UN Headquarters in New York, joined warm moments with their comrades and relatives at home during an online exchange programme on November 15, celebrating the Lunar New Year (Tet) Festival. Jointly organised by the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations (VDPO) under the Ministry of National Defence, and the Military Broadcasting and Television Centre under the General Department of Politics of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the programme aimed to promote Vietnam’s significant achievements in peacekeeping operations in 2024.

According to Vietnam News Agency, the initiative provided a unique opportunity for peacekeepers stationed in remote and challenging environments to experience a sense of home during the festive season. The programme facilitated connections between the deployed officers and their families, offering a platform for sharing experiences and celebrating the cultural significance of the Tet Festival despite being miles apart.

The event highlighted Vietnam’s commitment to international peacekeeping efforts and showcased the dedication of its personnel serving in various global missions. The online exchange not only fostered camaraderie among the peacekeepers but also underscored the importance of maintaining cultural traditions and national identity while serving abroad.

Vietnamese peacekeepers have been actively participating in UN missions, contributing significantly to global peace and security. The programme served as a testament to the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations’ ongoing efforts to support and uplift the morale of its personnel during international deployments.