Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng (middle) presents the Fatherland Protection Order and the Certificates of Merit to outstanding collectives and individuals. — VNA/VNS Photos Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng has called for the building of an elite, professional and rapidly deployable international search and rescue force as Việt Nam seeks to strengthen its capacity to respond to global humanitarian emergencies and contribute more actively to international disaster relief efforts.

Speaking at a ceremony in Hà Nội on Saturday to honour the Vietnamese military and public security rescue mission that assisted Venezuela following the twin earthquakes, PM Hưng praised the contingent for its courage, professionalism and humanitarian spirit, saying their efforts had further enhanced Việt Nam’s international standing as a responsible and compassionate member of the global community.

The event was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang, leaders of ministries and agencies, all 124 members of the rescue mission, and Chargé d’Affaires of Venezuela in Việt Nam Estela del Valle Quijada Suárez.

Major General Phạm Văn Tỵ, deputy director of the Rescue and Relief Department under the General Staff of the Việt Nam People's Army and head of the mission, reported at the ceremony that the Government had swiftly approved the deployment of personnel, equipment, medical supplies and relief goods immediately after the earthquakes on June 24 caused widespread casualties and destruction in Venezuela.

The 124-member contingent, drawn from the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security, departed with 10 rescue dogs and specialised equipment to support search and rescue operations.

During its mission from June 29 to July 7, the team worked around the clock under extremely hazardous conditions amid heavily damaged and contaminated disaster zones.

Despite the challenges, rescue personnel recovered 57 victims' bodies and handed them over to local authorities and families. They also identified and reported several suspected locations where additional victims might be trapped.

Members of the rescue team from the Minister of Public Security at the ceremony.

Members of the rescue team from the Ministry of National Defence.

Beyond search and rescue operations, the Vietnamese team provided humanitarian assistance to affected communities by delivering 5.6 tonnes of essential relief supplies, including food, blankets and protective clothing.

Team members also donated their mission allowances and raised an additional US$15,000 for disaster victims, while providing medical examinations and free medicines to more than 132 local residents.

In recognition of the mission's contributions, Acting President of Venezuela Delcy Rodriguez awarded the delegation the 'Hero of Venezuela' Medal and sent a letter of appreciation to Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm.

The delegation received the First-Class 'Hero of Venezuela' Medal collectively, while all 124 members were awarded the Second-Class 'Hero of Venezuela' Medals. The mission's rescue dog unit was honoured with the Meritorious Service Medal.

Welcoming the delegation home, PM Hưng said that Việt Nam, having experienced devastating wars and natural disasters, deeply understood the value of international solidarity and assistance.

"With its growing capacity and international position, the country now stands ready to contribute more actively to addressing common global challenges," he said.

He noted that Việt Nam has repeatedly dispatched rescue teams, equipment and humanitarian aid to countries affected by major disasters in recent years. Despite difficult and dangerous conditions, Vietnamese rescue missions have consistently delivered tangible results while projecting the image of a responsible, compassionate and professional nation.

The PM commended the Ministry of National Defence, the Ministry of Public Security, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam Airlines and other relevant agencies for their close coordination in organising and supporting the mission.

He particularly commended the officers and soldiers who worked directly in disaster-hit areas, saying their dedication had demonstrated the finest qualities of Việt Nam's armed forces.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Phan Văn Giang presents the Fatherland Protection Order and the Prime Minister's Certificates of Merit to outstanding individuals.

As Việt Nam enters a new stage of development with greater aspirations and international responsibilities, PM Hưng stressed the need to further strengthen the country's capacity for international search and rescue and humanitarian assistance.

He called for greater awareness of the strategic importance of international disaster response as part of Việt Nam's capability to address non-traditional security challenges, while also serving as an effective channel for strengthening trust, expanding international cooperation and contributing to regional and global peace, stability and development.

The Government leader urged relevant agencies to build highly trained, professional and mobile rescue forces capable of rapid deployment; strengthen specialised teams in search and rescue, emergency medicine and disaster response that meet international standards; and enhance inter-agency coordination for multinational operations.

He also called for improvements to command and coordination mechanisms, faster decision-making procedures and clearer mobilisation plans for different emergency scenarios.

PM Hưng said the Government would continue investing in modern rescue technologies, including victim detection systems, cutting equipment, field medical facilities and personal protective gear, while ensuring adequate logistics, healthcare and psychological support for rescue personnel.

He stressed the importance of expanding international cooperation through joint training programmes, disaster response exercises and participation in global rescue mechanisms.

The Ministry of National Defence, Ministry of Public Security and Ministry of Foreign Affairs were asked to draw lessons from the Venezuela mission to further improve Việt Nam's civil defence and disaster response capabilities.

The PM also emphasised the need for appropriate policies to recognise and support individuals and organisations participating in international rescue missions, including timely rewards, healthcare, psychological assistance and family support.

He requested the Ministry of National Defence and the Ministry of Public Security to coordinate the production and broadcast of a documentary on the Venezuela mission to promote the spirit of international solidarity and highlight Việt Nam's humanitarian contributions.

PM Hưng stressed that a nation's strength should not only be measured by its economic scale, defence capability or technological advancement, but also by its willingness and ability to share responsibility with the international community.

He affirmed Việt Nam's determination to build a resilient yet compassionate nation, one that is courageous but peace-loving, dynamic in development while remaining responsible, and deeply integrated into the world without losing its national identity.

On the occasion, on behalf of Party and State leaders, PM Hưng and Minister Giang presented the Fatherland Protection Order and the Prime Minister's Certificates of Merit to outstanding organisations and individuals for their achievements in search and rescue, humanitarian assistance and disaster relief operations in Venezuela. — VNA/VNS