In attendance were Ms. Estela del Valle Quijada Suarez, Charge d'Affaires of the Venezuelan Embassy in Vietnam; Colonel Pham Hung Duong, Deputy Director of the Fire Prevention, Fighting and Rescue Police Department, Head of the working group and members of the group.

The earthquake that occurred on June 24 left particularly severe consequences in Venezuela. According to updated information as of June 28, more than 1,400 people were killed, more than 50,000 people were missing and tens of thousands of houses were destroyed.

Faced with these losses, following the instructions of the Party, State and Government leaders, the Ministry of Public Security decided to send forces to Venezuela to support the search for victims, rescue, salvage and overcome the consequences of natural disasters.

Speaking at the Departure Ceremony, Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen sent his deep condolences to the Government, people of Venezuela and the families of the victims. The Deputy Minister affirmed that Vietnam's timely dispatch of forces to natural disaster areas not only aims to support people in distress but also demonstrates international solidarity, humanitarian responsibility and the traditional friendly relationship between Vietnam and Venezuela.

The working group of the Ministry of Public Security includes officers and soldiers with expertise and experience in searching for victims at collapsed construction sites, emergency medical care, communications, technical logistics and rescue command. Along with that, specialized vehicles, detection equipment, medical supplies and necessary logistics conditions are all prepared so that the Working Group can begin their mission as soon as they arrive at the scene.

Deputy Minister Le Van Tuyen requested the members of the delegation to maintain courage, solidarity, strictly observe discipline and proactively coordinate with local forces. Each person in the group carries a specific mission. But behind that mission is also the image of the country and people of Vietnam being compassionate, responsible, always ready to be present when international friends need to share.

Present at the Departure Ceremony, Ms. Estela del Valle Quijada Suarez emotionally thanked the Party, State, Government and Ministry of Public Security of Vietnam for promptly sending forces to support Venezuela. The presence of Vietnamese rescue forces at a time when her country is suffering great losses has significance beyond the support of human resources and facilities. It is also a symbol of friendship, sympathy and attachment between the two peoples.

Ms. Estela del Valle Quijada Suarez believes that with her experience, sense of responsibility and courage, the Vietnamese delegation will contribute to helping people in earthquake areas overcome the most difficult days. She wished the officers and soldiers on their journey to be healthy, safe and return to the Fatherland after completing their missions.

At the end of the ceremony, the leaders of the Ministry of Public Security wished the Working Group good health, solidarity, peace, excellent completion of their tasks and return to the Fatherland with the pride of the Vietnam People's Police force.

*In the immediate future,it is expected that the Ministry of Public Security will bring over 20 tons of all kinds of goods including necessities, medicines... to Venezuela.