RAAF C-17 takes another Vietnamese peacekeeping rotation to Africa

A Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster will transport Vietnam People’s Army personnel, equipment and medical supplies to and from Juba, South Sudan in April and May 2022.

CAPTION: President of Vietnam Nguyễn Xuân Phúc (centre) and Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Robyn Mudie (centre right), farewell Vietnamese peacekeepers in Hanoi, deploying to the United Nations mission in South Sudan on a Royal Australian Air Force C-17A Globemaster III. Also in the photo are United Nations Acting Resident Coordinator for Vietnam Caitlin Wiesen-Antin (white scarf) and Vietnam’s Minister for National Defence Senior General Phan Văn Giang. Photo supplied.

Today President Nguyễn Xuân Phúc attended a farewell ceremony held in honour of the aircraft’s departure from Hanoi, which marks the fourth time Australia has provided strategic airlift to Vietnam’s UNMISS operation since 2018.

In recent years, Australia has supported Vietnam’s peacekeeping mission to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) through specialist peacekeeping training, equipment, and strategic airlift support.

A Defence spokesperson said Australia was committed to deepening bilateral ties with its regional and strategic partners, including the shared and growing peacekeeping relationship with Vietnam.

“Australia is pleased to be strengthening peacekeeping cooperation with Vietnam by providing strategic airlift support to its peacekeeping mission in South Sudan,” the spokesperson said.

“Australia and Vietnam’s cooperation on international peacekeeping further marks our shared commitment to ensuring global peace, security and stability.

“Our deepening peacekeeping cooperation is a testament to the strength of our strategic partnership.”

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