Vietnam News Today: Elite Engineering and Medical Teams Prepared for UN Peacekeeping Operations

The Engineering Unit Rotation 3 and the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 6 pay their respects to fallen soldiers at the Heroic Martyrs’ Monument in Hanoi, Vietnam. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s Engineering Unit and Field Hospital Prepare for UN Peacekeeping Missions

On September 18, the Engineering Unit Rotation 3 and the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 6 paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum in Hanoi and honored fallen soldiers at the Heroic Martyrs’ Monument before embarking on their UN peacekeeping missions.

Major General Pham Manh Thang, Director of the Vietnam Department of Peacekeeping Operations, launched an emulation movement for the units. The movement, which runs until October 1, 2025, encourages the units to enhance their knowledge, foster solidarity, excel in their assigned tasks, and abide by Vietnamese laws, military rules, and the UN code of conduct. It also aims to promote Vietnam’s image on the world stage.

The Engineering Unit Rotation 3, comprising 180 personnel, is set to depart Hanoi for the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA) on a UN charter flight on September 24. Meanwhile, 63 members of the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 6 will fly to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on the same day, funded by Australia.

The first group of 165 personnel from the Engineering Unit Rotation 2 is scheduled to return to Vietnam on September 28, followed by 15 others a month later. Four members will remain with the UNISFA to work with the Engineering Unit Rotation 3. Additionally, 51 members of the Level-2 Field Hospital Rotation 5 will return home on September 28, with the remaining 12 members following on October 10.

The Netherlands and Vietnam Strengthen Climate Change Cooperation

Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme of the Netherlands, who also serves as the country’s Climate Envoy, met with Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang. They agreed to enhance cooperation between the two nations in responding to climate change.

At the meeting on September 17, Prince Parme, along with Steven Collet, assistant minister of Foreign Affairs, and Meike van Ginneken, Water Envoy, expressed their pleasure at the positive developments in the comprehensive partnership between the Netherlands and Vietnam. The Dutch prince also offered his deep sympathies to Vietnam for the losses caused by Typhoon Yagi.

Deputy Minister Hang highlighted the Netherlands as Vietnam’s largest investor and leading trade partner in the EU. She noted the significance of this year, marking the fifth anniversary of their bilateral comprehensive partnership and the 10th anniversary of their strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security. Next year will be the 15th anniversary of their strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management.

The deputy minister requested continued support from the Netherlands in improving Vietnam’s response and forecasting capabilities, as well as in flood and landslide prevention, sustainable water management, green and smart agriculture development, energy transformation, and green transition. Vietnam is one of the countries most heavily affected by climate change, and this assistance is greatly valued.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Hang and Prince Jaime de Bourbon de Parme, Climate Envoy of the Netherlands.

Deputy Minister Hang also expressed gratitude to the Netherlands for its support as Vietnam prepares to host the fourth P4G Summit in 2025. The Netherlands is one of the key partners of this summit, and their coordination in preparation and organization is highly valued.

The Dutch side concurred on the effective implementation of the outcomes of the eighth meeting of the Vietnam-Netherlands Inter-Governmental Committee on climate change adaptation and water management, held in The Hague in June.

Steven Collet noted the interest of Dutch companies in the Vietnamese market and their plans for expansion. He suggested enhancing cooperation in high-tech, semiconductors, and renewable energy, as well as facilitating the exchange of business delegations between the two countries.

Meike van Ginneken, the Water Envoy, acknowledged Vietnam’s efforts and responsible contributions to addressing urgent global issues by hosting the 2025 summit, pledging their support for the event.

International Observer Recognizes Vietnam as an Important Link in Global Value Chains

Red Lantern Analytica, an international affairs observer group based in New Delhi, India, has acknowledged Vietnam’s role as a key player in global value chains, particularly in manufacturing and export-oriented industries. Vietnam’s economic reforms have positioned it as a major competitor with cost advantages, a strategic location, and improved infrastructure.

Vietnam’s participation in agreements like the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) has enhanced its market access and integration into global supply chains. The country’s focus on improving infrastructure, including ports and logistics, has also facilitated its integration into global value chains, solidifying its role as a manufacturing hub and an attractive investment destination.

Vietnam aims to become a global hub for semiconductor production. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam’s strategic importance is evident in its relationships with major world powers and its influence on regional and global dynamics. The country’s strategic positioning grants it significant leverage in international negotiations and helps shape global economic policies. Vietnam’s role is expected to become even more prominent in the future.

Vietnam Braces for Tropical Depression Expected to Bring Heavy Rainfall

According to the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, a tropical depression is likely to strengthen into a storm by September 19, bringing heavy rain to central provinces from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai.

On September 18, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Nguyen Hoang Hiep, chaired a meeting with various ministries, agencies, and 11 coastal provinces to prepare for the tropical depression, which may intensify into a storm.

Dr. Mai Van Khiem, Director of the National Center for Hydro-Meteorological Forecasting, explained that as of 1 pm on September 18, the tropical depression was located about 530 km east of Da Nang and moving slowly at 15 km/h. All weather models indicate the potential for it to strengthen into a storm.

By 10 am on September 19, the tropical depression is expected to intensify into a storm with wind speeds reaching level 8 and gusts up to level 10. The storm’s center is forecast to be located about 110 km east-southeast of Quang Tri and Quang Nam before making landfall later that day. It is then expected to weaken as it moves inland.

During the landfall period, from 5 pm on September 19 to 7 am on September 20, high tides are predicted to reach 0.7-1.8 meters at Cua Gianh (Quang Binh), 0.7-1.4 meters at Cua Viet (Quang Tri), and 0.7-1.3 meters in Da Nang.

From September 17 to midday on September 18, the central and Central Highlands regions experienced significant rainfall, with some areas recording high levels. This weather system is expected to bring heavy rain from the evening of September 18 through September 19 from Ha Tinh to Quang Ngai, with some areas receiving over 500 mm of rainfall.

Forecast of the tropical depression’s path. Photo: Vietnam Disaster Monitoring System.

During this period, Thanh Hoa and Nghe An are expected to receive 70-150 mm of rain, with isolated areas receiving over 250 mm. The Central Highlands will also experience rainfall, with amounts ranging from 40-80 mm, and some spots exceeding 150 mm.

From September 18 to 21, rivers from Thanh Hoa to Quang Nam are predicted to experience flooding, with water levels rising by 3-7 meters. Major rivers are expected to rise to the first and second flood alert levels, while smaller rivers may reach the third alert level. Low-lying areas along these rivers, especially from Thanh Hoa to Quang Nam, are at high risk of flooding, and mountainous areas are susceptible to landslides.

The authorities have contacted and informed over 66,960 boats and 306,725 people about the tropical depression’s development and potential path, allowing them to take necessary precautions. The Border Guard Command reported that 75 boats with 618 people were operating near the Hoang Sa Archipelago.

The Department of Fisheries also reported that by 1 PM on September 18, approximately 80,024 hectares of coastal and offshore aquaculture facilities were at risk, along with 22,152 cages and 684 watchtowers.

Colonel Pham Hai Chau, Deputy Director of the Rescue Department, emphasized the readiness of over 268,000 people, including military personnel, militia members, and vehicles, as well as helicopters, to respond to the tropical depression and potential storm. He also highlighted the need to review areas prone to landslides, as post-storm downpours and landslides can cause significant damage.

A quick and efficient warning system is crucial to ensure the timely relocation of households in landslide-prone areas, Colonel Chau added.

Vietnam and Egypt Solidify Comprehensive Partnership

On September 17, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son held a phone conversation with Egyptian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Immigration Badr Abdelatty. Minister Abdelatty offered profound condolences for the severe consequences of Typhoon Yagi and affirmed Egypt’s unwavering support for Vietnam.

Minister Abdelatty highlighted Vietnam as an important partner for Egypt in the region, stressing the potential for enhanced cooperation, especially in economics, investment, and people-to-people exchanges. He also expressed Egypt’s readiness to provide optimal conditions for Vietnamese businesses and investors in their country.

Given Egypt’s free trade agreements (FTAs) with various regions and countries, including the Southern Common Market (MERCOSUR), Africa, and the Arab world, Vietnamese enterprises can leverage these FTAs to boost exports to strong markets with a combined population of two billion.

Deputy PM Son thanked Minister Abdelatty for his sympathies and affirmed that Egypt’s support during challenging times demonstrates the traditional friendship and close relationship between the two nations. To further strengthen their comprehensive partnership, Deputy PM Son suggested maintaining meetings and exchanges at all levels and continuing to coordinate and support each other in multilateral forums.

He also proposed closer collaboration between Vietnam and Egypt’s organizations and regions, such as the Arab League and ASEAN, to foster high-level meetings and enhance connections between localities and businesses of both countries.

Both sides pledged to work towards closer linkages and prepare for significant engagements, while also improving the efficiency of bilateral cooperation mechanisms. They are committed to fostering a strong collaboration between their Foreign Ministries, contributing to the advancement of the traditional friendship and multifaceted collaboration between Vietnam and Egypt.

On this occasion, Deputy PM Son invited Minister Abdelatty to visit Vietnam, and the Egyptian official gladly accepted the invitation, promising to arrange the visit as soon as possible.