VOV.VN - International disaster relief is not only a humanitarian undertaking but also an essential component of national capacity that helps build trust, strengthen diplomacy and reinforce Vietnam's standing in the international community, Prime Minister Le Minh Hung said on July 11.
Speaking at a ceremony honouring members of the Vietnam People's Army and the Ministry of Public Security who participated in earthquake relief operations in Venezuela, the Prime Minister emphasised that Vietnam, with its growing international stature and capabilities, is committed to making proactive contributions to addressing global challenges.
As non-traditional security threats become increasingly complex, he said disaster response and international search-and-rescue operations should be regarded as an integral part of national capacity, helping strengthen diplomatic relations and enhance Vietnam's international profile.
To meet future demands, the Prime Minister called for continued development of specialised search-and-rescue, emergency medical and related response forces in line with international standards, with the ability to deploy rapidly and coordinate effectively in multinational operations.
He also stressed the need to establish a unified inter-agency command and coordination mechanism capable of making timely decisions, while prioritiding investment in advanced search technologies, modern rescue equipment, field medical capabilities, logistics and personnel safety.
The Prime Minister urged ministries and agencies to draw practical lessons from the Venezuela mission to further strengthen Vietnam's civil defence capacity, while ensuring appropriate recognition, healthcare and long-term psychological support for personnel involved in overseas humanitarian deployments.
His remarks came after Vietnam's military and public security rescue officers successfully completed their earthquake response mission in Venezuela and returned home.
According to Major General Pham Van Ty, deputy director of the Rescue and Salvage Department under the General Staff of the Vietnam People's Army and head of the mission, the delegation of 124 personnel was dispatched shortly after the June 24 earthquake under directives from the Party Secretariat and the Prime Minister.
The mission transported more than 110 tonnes of rescue equipment, medical supplies and humanitarian aid to Venezuela.
Upon arrival, the delegation handed over more than 50 tonnes of emergency relief supplies before launching search-and-rescue operations in severely affected areas.
Between June 29 and July 7, Vietnamese rescue teams recovered and handed over the remains of 57 victims to Venezuelan authorities. They also identified 46 additional search locations and assisted local rescue teams in recovering another 38 victims from collapsed structures.
Despite hazardous terrain, unstable buildings and toxic environmental conditions, the Vietnamese personnel completed their mission without casualties or equipment losses. Their professionalism, courage and dedication earned high praise from the Venezuelan government, local communities and international rescue teams.
In recognition of Vietnam's contributions, the Venezuelan government awarded the Hero of Venezuela Medal to the Vietnamese delegation, along with several prestigious honours for members of the rescue mission.
Prime Minister Hung said that while the disaster would eventually fade into history, the image of Vietnamese rescuers working with professionalism, compassion and dedication would remain in the hearts of the Venezuelan people and the international community.
“It reflects not only Vietnam's humanitarian spirit but also the country's confidence, resilience and readiness to share responsibility with the international community,” he concluded.
VOV.VN - Vietnam’s military working dogs have demonstrated outstanding search-and-rescue capabilities during recent earthquake relief operations in Venezuela, helping rescuers locate victims trapped beneath collapsed buildings and contributing to the recovery of 54 bodies.
VOV.VN - A ceremony was held on the morning of July 6 (local time) to present the First-Class "Hero of Venezuela" Medal to the Vietnamese rescue and relief team and Second-Class medals to its members.
VOV.VN - Vietnam has announced US$300,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance for Venezuela following the devastating twin earthquakes on June 24 that has left more than 3,500 dead and nearly 17,000 injured.
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