Prime Minister congratulates Viet Nam's rescue forces upon completing international mission in Venezuela

Also present at the event were Member of the Politburo, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang; Member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Public Security Senior Lieutenant General Le Van Tuyen; other members of the Party Central Committee; leaders of ministries, sectors and agencies; Chargé d'Affaires ad interim of Venezuela in Viet Nam Estela del Valle Quijada Suárez; and 124 officers and enlistees of the Viet Nam People's Army and the People's Public Security Forces who had joined the search and rescue mission in Venezuela.

Following the devastating twin earthquakes that struck Venezuela, causing severe casualties and widespread destruction, and in line with the foreign policy that "Vietnam is a friend, a trusted partner, and an active, responsible member of the international community," the Government, acting on the directives of the Permanent Member of the Secretariat, dispatched a contingent of 124 officers and soldiers, ten service dogs, and modern technical equipment to assist Venezuela in post-earthquake recovery operations.

Despite the limited preparation time and extremely harsh working conditions, the delegation demonstrated outstanding solidarity, professionalism, courage, and unwavering determination. Undeterred by hardship or danger, its members raced against time to search for victims, conduct rescue operations, and deliver humanitarian assistance to local communities.

During the mission, the delegation recovered and handed over the remains of 57 victims to their families and local authorities, identified 46 additional locations requiring follow-up operations by local forces, delivered 5.6 tonnes of essential humanitarian supplies, donated US$15,000 from their own mission allowances and voluntary contributions, and provided medical examinations and medicines to more than 132 local residents.

In recognition of the Vietnamese delegation's outstanding contributions, the Venezuelan Government awarded the First-Class "Hero of Venezuela" Medal to the delegation as a collective, the Second-Class "Hero of Venezuela" Medal to all 124 members, and the Meritorious Service Order to the delegation's canine units.

Addressing the ceremony on behalf of the Party, the State, and the Vietnamese people, Prime Minister Le Minh Hưng warmly welcomed the delegation home and extended his heartfelt congratulations to all participants, particularly the personnel who carried out their duties directly in the disaster-stricken zones.

The Prime Minister stated: "I particularly commend the officers and soldiers who carried out their duties directly in the disaster areas. Despite facing danger and working under extremely difficult conditions, you projected the finest image of the Vietnam People's Army and the People's Public Security Forces. You made the image of Vietnam more admirable, warmer, and more inspiring: amid devastation, Vietnam brought hope; amid loss, Vietnam brought compassion; amid danger, Vietnam demonstrated courage; and amid sorrow, Vietnam brought humanity."

The Prime Minister stressed the need to elevate national awareness regarding international search, rescue, and humanitarian assistance. He defined these efforts as an important component of the country's capacity to respond to non-traditional security challenges, as well as an effective means of building trust, strengthening foreign relations, expanding international cooperation, and making practical contributions to peace, stability, and sustainable development in the region and around the world.