On the morning of April 21, the Ministry of National Defense held a ceremony to present the President’s official deployment decision to a military officer assigned to a United Nations peacekeeping mission in the Central African Republic under the MINUSCA mandate.

Major Su Tan Phi Long, formerly Political Assistant of the Operations Department, Ho Chi Minh City Command (Military Region 7), will serve as a military observer, replacing Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Si Hieu at the MINUSCA peacekeeping mission.

Prior to his deployment, Major Long completed comprehensive training programs at both the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations and international training institutions.

On behalf of the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defense, Senior Lieutenant General Hoang Xuan Chien, Deputy Minister of National Defense, handed over the decision and congratulated Major Long.

The Deputy Minister expressed confidence that Major Su Tan Phi Long would demonstrate resilience, professionalism, and a strong sense of duty to overcome the challenges of deployment and successfully fulfill his mission.

General Chien instructed the officer to strictly adhere to the guidelines of the Party, laws of the State and the military, as well as the UN regulations and host country laws. He also emphasized the importance of ensuring personal safety, maintaining family support at home, and fully committing to the mission.

He urged Major Long to uphold the proud tradition of the Vietnam People’s Army, to be proactive in learning and cooperating with international colleagues, and to confidently demonstrate the competence, discipline, and character of Vietnamese soldiers. Through these efforts, he said, the officer will help promote the noble image of Vietnamese peacekeepers and the spirit of the “Uncle Ho’s Soldiers.”

General Chien noted that nearly 1,100 military personnel have been deployed by the Ministry of National Defense in both individual and unit-based formats. In the coming time, more outstanding Vietnamese personnel will join UN peacekeeping operations.

In his speech accepting the assignment, Major Su Tan Phi Long said he deeply understood that the mission is not only a great personal honor but also a tremendous responsibility entrusted to him by the Party, State, military, and people.

He affirmed that he has thoroughly prepared in all aspects - from political resolve and professional skills to foreign language proficiency and physical fitness - and is ready to deploy with the highest determination.

Major Long expressed his pride in being deployed during a momentous time when the entire country is celebrating the 50th anniversary of national reunification. As a young officer born and raised in the beloved South, having been educated and trained in a peaceful and prosperous Vietnam, he considers this a profound and unforgettable milestone in his military career.

To date, Vietnam has sent a total of 1,066 officers and personnel to participate in UN peacekeeping missions at three field missions and UN headquarters.

The MINUSCA (United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic) was established by a UN resolution in 2014. Its mandate includes protecting civilians, supporting the peace process, and promoting implementation of the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation between the Central African Republic government and multiple armed groups.

Tran Thuong