Given the efficiency of the EU’s Common Security and Defense Policy (CSDP), Vietnam is planning to send officials to join the bloc’s crisis management activities in the coming time, with the first task being joining the deployment of the EU Military Training Mission in the Central African Republic (EUTM RCA).

Vietnam's soldiers taking part in UN Peacekeeping mission. Photo: NLD

Major General Vu Cuong Quyet, director of the Institute for Defense Strategy under the Ministry of National Defence gave the remarks at an exchange on peacekeeping, common security, and defense policy with the EU on September 28.

The exchange is aimed at raising awareness and understanding in UN peace-keeping and crisis management while showcasing Vietnam’s willingness to boost defense cooperation with the EU.

At the meeting, EU Ambassador to Vietnam Giorgio Aliberti said this is an opportunity for Vietnamese soldiers to gain valuable insights before joining UN peace-keeping activities and EU’s CSDP, which enables the bloc to take a leading role in peace-keeping operations, conflict prevention, and strengthening of international security.

Major General Quyet highlighted the significance of UN peacekeeping efforts to maintain and ensure peace in countries around the world, at the same time creating a platform for member states to enhance bilateral and multilateral cooperation for building mutual trust.

Colonel Pham Tan Phong, deputy director of the Vietnam Peacekeeping Department, said as both Vietnam and the EU consider defense cooperation as a major pillar in bilateral cooperation, the two sides have shown their commitments to contributing to peace and security in the region and of the world, including the signing of the Framework Participation Agreement (FPA).

“Vietnam and the EU are working on a sustainable relationship based on shared principles that have been agreed upon,” Phong stated, adding this exchange meeting would help both sides to better understand the visions and strategies from each side.

In the past years, Vietnam-EU cooperation in UN peacekeeping missions has achieved significant results. On October 17, 2019, Vietnam and the EU signed the FPA, including the participation in UN peacekeeping activities, making the former the first country in Southeast Asia and second in Asia, behind South Korea, to sign such a deal with the EU.

The EU would continue to provide training courses for Vietnamese soldiers before joining UN peacekeeping missions and finalizing necessary procedures for these officials to work at the EUTM RCA.