RAAF takes Vietnamese peacekeepers to Africa

Australia has supported Vietnam’s contribution to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) by airlifting Vietnamese military personnel and equipment.

CAPTION: Vietnamese peacekeepers preparing to deploy to South Sudan on RAAF C-17A Globemaster III from Ho Chi Minh City. Photo by Cần Thơ Kỷ Yếu.

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster provided the airlifts during late March and late April, allowing Vietnam to rotate its UNMISS Level Two Field Hospital contingent.

Chief of Joint Operations Command Lieutenant General Greg Bilton said the Australian Defence Force’s work alongside Vietnam demonstrates the close ties between our two countries.

“Vietnam is an important partner for Australia in the Indo-Pacific, and I am proud the ADF has supported their deployment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan,” Lieutenant General Bilton said.

“The peacekeeping partnership between our two countries is a key element of our defence relationship.

“It highlights our shared vision of a peaceful, inclusive and resilient region actively supporting global security.”

Over the last two months the airlift transported more than 120 passengers and more than 55,000kg of cargo between Vietnam and South Sudan.

The cargo included medical and dental equipment, pharmaceuticals, electrical equipment, food stores and cold chain.

Australia has now provided airlift support to three rotations of Vietnam’s UNMISS contingent, the first in October 2018 and the second in November 2019.

All Australian Defence Force personnel involved in the airlift complied with Australia’s and Vietnam’s COVID-19 protocols and control measures.

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