Caracas, July 10, 2026 – The Europe Today: Vietnam’s 124-member rescue and relief mission has successfully concluded its humanitarian operations in Venezuela and begun its journey home after nearly ten days of intensive rescue and relief efforts in areas devastated by a powerful double earthquake.
The delegation, comprising personnel from Vietnam’s Ministry of National Defence and Ministry of Public Security, departed La Guaira State on Thursday afternoon (local time), marking the completion of the country’s latest overseas humanitarian mission.
Senior Venezuelan officials, including Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto, joined representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Venezuela, Ambassador Vũ Trung Mỹ and Defence Attaché Colonel Vũ Thế Trung, at Simón Bolívar International Airport to bid farewell to the rescue team.
Speaking at the farewell ceremony, Foreign Minister Yván Gil Pinto conveyed the sincere gratitude of the Government and people of Venezuela, the ruling United Socialist Party of Venezuela (PSUV), and Acting President Delcy Rodríguez to the Party, State and people of Vietnam, particularly Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm, for the swift deployment of the rescue mission.
The Venezuelan foreign minister also praised Vietnam’s decision to provide US$300,000 in emergency humanitarian assistance, describing it as a strong demonstration of international solidarity and the enduring friendship between the two countries.
Vietnamese Ambassador Vũ Trung Mỹ said the mission reflected Vietnam’s longstanding commitment to international solidarity, humanitarian assistance and responsible global engagement. He noted that the deployment showcased the country’s growing capability and readiness to contribute to international disaster response efforts while upholding its tradition of compassion and mutual support.
Before departing Venezuela, the Vietnamese delegation donated medical equipment, medicines, food supplies, tents and an additional US$15,000 to support post-disaster recovery efforts.
Major General Phạm Văn Tỵ, head of the Vietnamese mission, said the additional contribution, though modest in financial value, symbolized the solidarity and friendship of the Vietnamese people with Venezuela during a difficult period.
Venezuelan officials, including La Guaira State Secretary-General Daniel Mata and Foreign Ministry relief coordinator Daniel Gasparri, expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s timely assistance, noting that the rapid deployment of personnel and humanitarian aid had provided crucial support to communities affected by the disaster despite the vast geographical distance between the two nations.
The mission marked the third overseas humanitarian deployment by Vietnam involving rescue teams and specialized equipment. Many members of the delegation had previously participated in earthquake response operations in Türkiye in 2023 and Myanmar in 2025.
Operating in Playa Grande, the area hardest hit by the earthquakes in La Guaira State, the Vietnamese team carried out search-and-rescue operations in challenging conditions amid collapsed high-rise buildings and unstable terrain. During the mission, rescuers recovered dozens of victims from the rubble, identified additional locations suspected of containing casualties, provided free medical treatment, distributed relief supplies and assisted displaced residents.
In recognition of their outstanding humanitarian service, Venezuelan authorities awarded the delegation the First-Class “Hero of Venezuela” Medal, while all 124 members received the Second-Class “Hero of Venezuela” Medal. The mission’s search-and-rescue dogs were also honoured with the “Meritorious Service” Order.
Venezuelan leaders said the presence of the Vietnamese rescue team, alongside other international relief units, brought hope to affected communities and demonstrated the global solidarity extended to Venezuela during one of its most difficult moments.
The successful mission reaffirmed Vietnam’s longstanding commitment to humanitarian assistance, international cooperation and disaster relief, while further strengthening the historic friendship between Vietnam and Venezuela. Local media and experts described the operation as one of Vietnam’s most complex and demanding overseas humanitarian missions, praising the team’s professionalism, discipline and rapid adaptability in responding to the devastating disaster.
