Vietnam Prime Minister Honors Disaster‑Relief Team After Venezuela Earthquake

On 11 July, Prime Minister Lê Minh Hưng attended a ceremony in Hanoi honoring a Vietnamese military and police contingent that assisted Venezuela following a powerful double earthquake. The 124‑person team, supported by ten rescue dogs and modern equipment, operated from 29 June to 6 July, locating 57 victims’ bodies, identifying 46 rescue sites, delivering 5.6 tonnes of essential supplies, providing medical care to more than 130 locals and contributing US$15 000.

Venezuela’s interim president presented the team with the “Hero of Venezuela” first‑class medal for the whole unit, a second‑class medal for each member, and a service medal for the dogs. In his remarks, the Prime Minister highlighted Vietnam’s “hope amid ruins” and stressed the country’s growing capacity for international humanitarian rescue, calling for continued investment in rapid‑deployment disaster‑response forces.

The ceremony underscored the strengthening ties between Vietnam and Venezuela and showcased Vietnam’s expanding role in global non‑traditional security operations.