(VOVWORLD) -A ceremony was held in Hanoi on Friday to honor officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Army who participated in humanitarian relief and search and rescue operations in Turkey following the devastating earthquake on February 6.
 All 76 military team members are presented with the certificate of merit of the Defence Minister. (Photo: VOV) |
The Army sent a 76-member team to Turkey, who were assigned to work in Hatay province, one of the localities hardest hit by the earthquake. During their stay from February 13-22, the VPA team coordinated with the host country and other countries to search for viticms. Bodies were brought out of the debris.
The team also helped locals find stable shelters. Its military doctors provided first aid and medicine to rescuers from other countries who were injured while on duty.
They presented nearly 25 tons of goods, including military rations, rice, milk, medical equipment, and many other necessities to earthquake victims.
Speaking at the commendation ceremony, Turkish Ambassador Haldun Tekneci expressed his gratitude to Vietnam, one of the first countries to send their rescuers to his country after the devastating disaster.
 The servicemen participate in search and rescue operations in quake-hit Turkey. (Photo: VOV) |
Senior Lieutenent General Nguyen Tan Cuong, Chief of the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and Deputy Minister of National Defense, said this was the first time the Army had sent its forces abroad to perform a humanitarian assistance mission and earthquake disaster relief.
“All the team members brought into play the noble international spirit, the tradition of the Vietnamese nation, the Vietnamese People's Army, and the fine characteristics of Uncle Ho's soldiers who are calm and confident regardless of difficulties and hardships, not afraid of danger, willing to sacrifice, take advantage of every hour and minute to search and rescue victims,” Cuong said.
He added the team’s action demonstrates the high sense of responsibility, capacity and prestige of the Vietnam People’s Army in the face of non-traditional security issues which have earned recognition and appreciation by the international community, the Government and people of Turkey.
At the event, all 76 military team members were presented with the certificate of merit of the Defense Minister.