Australia is once again supporting the deployment of Vietnam's next rotation of United Nations peacekeepers to South Sudan, providing strategic airlift for the eighth time since 2018 through a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III aircraft.
The aircraft will transport 62 Vietnamese peacekeepers and 22 tonnes of equipment and medical supplies to support Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital Rotation 8 on the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). These peacekeepers will provide vital medical care and support to UN personnel operating in challenging conditions.
Australia's support for the deployment represents the culmination of six months of intensive preparation and training delivered through the Australia-Vietnam Peacekeeping Partnership. The Australian Defence Force has worked closely with Vietnamese counterparts to provide medical English language training, international law instruction, mental health preparation and aeromedical evacuation training to help prepare the contingent for their mission.
At the same time, Australia will assist in bringing home 62 Vietnamese peacekeepers who are completing their own year of service with UNMISS. The Royal Australian Air Force aircraft will return to Ho Chi Minh City on 27 September, enabling the returning personnel to reunite with their families and loved ones.
Australian Ambassador to Vietnam, H.E. Ms Gillian Bird, said the airlift highlighted the strength of the Australia-Vietnam partnership and the two countries' shared commitment to international peace and security.
"Australia is proud to once again support the important work of Vietnamese peacekeepers as they deploy to serve under the United Nations flag in South Sudan.
"This is the eighth time Australia has provided strategic airlift for Vietnamese peacekeepers since 2018, demonstrating the strength of our defence cooperation and our shared commitment to supporting international peace and security.
"We are equally pleased to help bring home those peacekeepers who have completed their year of service. Their dedication and professionalism reflect Vietnam's growing contribution to global peacekeeping efforts."
Australia and Vietnam share a unique Peacekeeping Partnership Arrangement that has grown significantly over recent years. What began with support for Vietnam's Level 2 Field Hospital deployments has expanded to include cooperation with engineering units, the formed military police unit and a broad range of peacekeeping training and capacity-building activities.
Australia remains a strong supporter of Vietnam's contribution to United Nations peacekeeping operations and values the professionalism and dedication of Vietnamese personnel serving in some of the world's most challenging environments.
The strategic airlift reflects the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Australia and Vietnam and the close cooperation between the two countries' defence forces. It also demonstrates a shared commitment to promoting international peace, security and stability through the United Nations.
-Ends-
Media contact:
Nguyen Le Trang,
Senior Communications Officer
Australian Embassy, Hanoi
Emaii: [email protected]
Telephone: +84 24 3774 0216