On the morning of August 3rd, immediately following the Party Central Committee's meeting, General Secretary and President To Lam presided over a press conference to announce the meeting's results. Joining him were Nguyen Trong Nghia, Head of the Party Central Committee’s Commission for Popularisation and Education, and Nguyen Duy Ngoc, Chief of the Party Central Office

A great honor and responsibility

In his remarks at the press conference, General Secretary To Lam expressed the immense loss felt by the Party, nation, and people following the passing of General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong. He noted that the Party, the people, and international friends remain deeply moved by the loss of such an exceptional leader.

General Secretary To Lam stated that in the face of the Party's and State's urgent tasks in building and developing the country and improving the people's lives, the Politburo and the Party Central Committee decided to complete the leadership roles of the Party and State, starting with the General Secretary of the Party Central Committee.

This decision aligns with the Party's current urgent needs. The mid-term election of the General Secretary followed the Party's charter, the personnel guidelines of the 13th Party Central Committee, and the Party's regulations on personnel work. This process is not unprecedented, as the Party has previously elected General Secretaries between terms, such as Truong Chinh and Le Kha Phieu.

General Secretary To Lam highlighted that the preparation and nomination of candidates for the General Secretary position were conducted thoroughly, adhering to principles and meeting the Party's standards, criteria, and processes.

"The Politburo trusted me with the nomination, and the Party Central Committee elected me with full confidence to the position of General Secretary," said To Lam. "I am deeply aware that this is both a great honor and a glorious responsibility before the Party, the State, and the people; before our ancestors' traditions and the millennia-old culture of our nation; before past leaders; and in fulfilling the renewal and socialist construction in our country."

Dedication to the nation and people

As General Secretary, Mr. To Lam committed to working with the Party Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat to uphold the Party's glorious traditions and valuable experiences. He emphasized the importance of "self-reliance, self-confidence, self-motivation, national pride," strengthening unity within the Party, and fostering national solidarity.

He pledged to align thought and action, the Party's will with the people's hearts, and strive to implement the Party's policies, especially the resolutions of the 13th National Congress. He vowed to work tirelessly for the glory of the Communist Party of Vietnam, the strength and prosperity of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, and the well-being of the Vietnamese people.

Mr. To Lam also stressed the importance of creatively applying Marxism-Leninism, Ho Chi Minh's ideology, and the goals of national independence, socialism, and the Party's renewal policies. He promised to prioritize national and ethnic interests, fully and profoundly caring for the people's lives, making their happiness his joy and purpose.

He emphasized the focus on economic and social development as the central tasks, building the Party as the key, and developing culture as the spiritual foundation, ensuring national defense and security as a critical priority.

Focusing on six key areas

General Secretary To Lam outlined six focal points to lead the Party, people, and armed forces effectively:

1. Maintaining Independence: Strengthening national defense and security, firmly protecting sovereignty and territorial integrity, and pursuing an independent and multilateral foreign policy to enhance Vietnam's contributions to regional and global peace.

2. Promoting National Unity: Emphasizing the people's central role in renewal, ensuring all citizens enjoy the benefits of development and live happily in a secure environment.

3. Strengthening the Party: Building a clean and strong Party, fighting corruption and negativity, and developing a cadre of qualified, competent, and reputable officials dedicated to serving the nation and people.

4. Boosting Economic Development: Enhancing national capacity, promoting investment, and mobilizing social resources for sustainable development and environmental protection.

5. Cultivating National Spirit: Encouraging Vietnamese cultural and human values to build a strong, democratic, just, and civilized nation.

6. Preparing for the 14th Party Congress: Effectively directing the preparation of party congresses at all levels, leading to the successful organization of the 14th Party Congress.

General Secretary To Lam expressed his commitment to striving alongside the Party, people, and armed forces to achieve new developmental milestones and fulfill President Ho Chi Minh's vision for a peaceful, unified, independent, democratic, and prosperous Vietnam, contributing to the global revolutionary cause.

"With the Party's correct and law-abiding policies, focusing on serving the people and advancing the interests of the working class and the nation, supported by the people's trust and international friends, our Party will continue to grow and endure alongside the nation, intertwined with the people's hearts," Mr. To Lam affirmed.

Acknowledging the challenges ahead as the 14th Party Congress approaches, To Lam expressed gratitude for the Party Central Committee's trust in him with this significant responsibility.

"I hope to receive valuable support from revolutionary veterans, party leaders, government officials, agencies, organizations, local authorities, compatriots, soldiers, overseas Vietnamese, and international friends and partners to help me fulfill my duties," he said.

Once again, General Secretary To Lam expressed his sincere gratitude for the Party, State, and people's trust in entrusting him with this important role.

Thu Hang