Participation in Defense Border Youth Exchange Programs

Actively participating in program implementation.

In the era of globalization, the youth of the military in general, and border guards in particular, not only play an essential role in protecting national territorial sovereignty and border security, but also serve as an important bridge to promote international military and defense cooperation.

Through programs, conferences, meetings, and information exchanges among members of the youth union, friendship is strengthened, new values are created in training, and developing a focus on border protection becomes the foundation for sustainable development.

Commander Mai Viet Nhan, the political assistant of the political department of the border guard command, stated that “The youth of the border guard command always play a key role, participating in the unit’s working groups to conduct negotiations, exchanges, and discussions with border protection forces of neighboring countries on issues related to the implementation of the Border Regulation Treaty, defense work agreements, border management and protection activities, security and public order situations, disaster prevention and control, and resolving issues related to the two sides of the border within the jurisdiction stipulated by law and agreements between the two parties.”

Building on the pioneering and creative role of the youth, members of the Youth Union have organized hundreds of meetings with border protection forces of neighboring countries along all border lines to discuss, inform, exchange information on border management and protection, the national border boundary system, maintaining security and order in border areas, border posts, learning, and exchanging experiences.

Strengthening solidarity and friendship with young officers.

It is challenging to fully quantify the contribution of border guard youth to strengthening international solidarity. However, projects, initiatives, and actions carried out at the borders of the homeland embody friendship, solidarity, and close ties between the youth of each country, becoming beautiful symbols of international cooperation between border guard youth and friendly nations. They all work for the common good and the protection of national sovereignty, territorial integrity, and border security.

Commander Mai Viet Nhan believes that one of the biggest current challenges is reconciling the preservation of traditional military values and the adoption of new ideas. Young soldiers are both heirs to heroic traditions and pioneers of innovation; during their missions, they draw inspiration from progress made by other countries. This challenge also stems from the inherent cultural diversity in exchanges. By participating in exchange programs, young soldiers must learn to perceive, understand, and respect cultural differences while seeking common ground to strengthen international solidarity. This requires not only knowledge but also effective communication and cooperation.

In this new context, to consolidate, reinforce, and develop the action of border guard forces in foreign relations with border protection forces of neighboring countries, contributing to the construction of a peaceful, friendly, cooperative, and developing border region, Commander Mai Viet Nhan has proposed several solutions, namely: further strengthening the leadership and guidance of party committees and commanders at all levels in foreign relations and international integration; actively raising awareness and informing youth union members about opportunities, challenges, goals, directions, and tasks to unify understanding and enhance their capacity to participate effectively in foreign relations.

Promote the proactive and positive role of youth union members in organizing and implementing specific tasks related to border defense and foreign affairs; ensure the completion of tasks, maintain territorial sovereignty, strengthen solidarity and friendship with young officers and cadres of border protection forces of neighboring countries, and advise and resolve unexpected situations quickly and effectively.

“For every member and organization of the Youth Union, it is necessary to innovate in working methods to adapt to practical realities along border lines, taking into account the characteristics of each region, local customs, and traditions, ensuring respect for principles and procedures, being rigorous and thorough, but also meeting the requirements of innovation, creativity, and widespread influence to encourage Youth Union members to participate,” affirmed Commander Mai Viet Nhan.