 |
| Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang and guests at the ceremony (Photo: baoquocte.vn) |
On December 9, in New York, the US, the Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations solemnly organized a ceremony to celebrate the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (December 22, 1944 - 2024) and the 35th anniversary of the All-People’s Defense Day (December 22, 1989 - 2024). The event was chaired by Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Head of the Mission.
Attendees included UN Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare, UN Assistant Secretary-General Martha Pobee, and nearly 200 guests, including ambassadors, heads of delegations, and military advisors from member states.
In his speech, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang highlighted the founding and growth of the Vietnam People’s Army. He emphasized its close connection to Vietnam’s heroic modern history, inheriting a tradition of thousands of years of resistance against foreign invaders, with strength rooted in national solidarity and the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese people.
Over the past eight decades, under the leadership of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the trust of the people and the support of international friends, the VPA has grown significantly, achieving numerous resounding victories.
On this occasion, Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang reaffirmed Vietnam’s adherence to its defense policy aligning with Vietnam’s independent, self-reliant foreign policy, proactive global integration, and active participation in bilateral and multilateral defense cooperation. These efforts have enhanced strategic trust and contributed to global peace, security and development.
Vietnam takes pride in its active involvement in UN peacekeeping operations. Over the past decade, it has deployed more than 800 officers and soldiers to missions in various regions, including the UN Headquarters, with a notable proportion of female personnel. These contributions have left a positive impression on the international community and elevated Vietnam’s reputation on the global stage.
As the guest of honor, UN Deputy Secretary-General Atul Khare extended warm congratulations to the VPA on its remarkable achievements over the past 80 years. He emphasized the army’s significant role in building, protecting and developing the Socialist Republic of Vietnam.
Mr. Khare highlighted peacekeeping as a key pillar of the partnership between the UN and Vietnam. He particularly praised the contributions of Vietnamese personnel, including Level 2 Field Hospitals and engineering teams, to peacekeeping missions in Africa.
On this occasion, UN leaders expressed deep gratitude to VPA soldiers who sacrificed their lives for national liberation and international peace and security./.