Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) presents the first-class Military Exploit Order to the Vietnam People’s Army at the ceremony in Hanoi on December 21

Party General Secretary, State President and Secretary of the Central Military Commission Nguyen Phu Trong sent a basket of flowers to congratulate the event.

The ceremony was attended by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan, along with incumbent and former Party and State leaders. It also saw the presence of foreign senior military officials, revolutionary veterans, Vietnamese Heroic Mothers, Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces, and Heroes of Labour.

In his speech, Gen. Ngo Xuan Lich, Vice Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence, expressed deep gratitude to President Ho Chi Minh – the “beloved Father” of the people’s armed forces, Gen. Vo Nguyen Giap – the “Eldest Brother” of the VPA and an outstanding commander-in-chief, along with historical leaders, national heroes, martyrs and people who heroically fought and sacrificed for the sake of the country’s independence and freedom, the people’s happiness, and the lofty international missions.

He also acknowledged the nationwide people’s joint efforts to build strong all-people defence, along with the precious support from the militaries and people of other countries for the Vietnamese army and people in the struggle for national liberation in the past and national development and safeguarding at present.

The minister noted after 30 years of the All People’s Defence Festival, the national defence has been increasingly enhanced, adding that the combination of economic, cultural and social aspects with defence and security has been strengthened. Meanwhile, defence diplomacy has been intensified both bilaterally and multilaterally, helping to maintain peace and security for the country.

Officers and soldiers of the whole army pledge to be absolutely loyal to the Party, State, people and socialist regime. They are determined to successfully perform the army’s functions and forever be a special political force, an absolutely loyal combatant force, and the core force in joining the people to firmly safeguard the nation, Lich affirmed.

On behalf of the Party and State leaders, PM Phuc bestowed a first-class Military Exploit Order upon the VPA and some high-ranking officers of the army in recognition of their particularly excellent achievements in the VPA building, defence consolidation, and contributions to socialism building and national protection.

Addressing the ceremony, the PM stressed that under the absolute and direct leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, upholding patriotism and the nation’s military art, and with the support of the people and international friends, over the last 75 years, the VPA has joined hands with the people to obtain great victories in liberating and safeguarding the nation and fulfilling international missions.

The VPA has continually overcome every difficulty and challenge while resolutely and persistently fighting to firmly protect the country’s sovereignty and territory. It has also taken the lead in natural disaster prevention and control, search and rescue activities, and settlement of war consequences, while effectively taking part in socio-economic development, economic-defence zone building, and the construction of the country’s strategic works, he said.

Applauding the VPA’s achievements, PM Phuc affirmed that those prominent successes have substantially helped reinforce the great national unity bloc and promote defence capability and the all people’s defence, thus deserving the trust and noble rewards granted by the Party, State and people.

Prior to the ceremony, a delegation of the Central Military Commision and the Ministry of National Defence paid tribute to President Ho Chi Minh at his mausoleum and laid wreaths at the Monument to War Heroes and Martyrs./.

Founding anniversary of Vietnam People’s Army marked abroad

Defence cooperation is an important aspect in the India-Vietnam comprehensive strategic partnership, said Lt. Gen. Amarjeet Singh Bedi, Director General of India’s Defence Intelligence Agency.

Addressing a ceremony held by the Vietnamese Embassy in New Delhi on December 20 to mark the 75th founding anniversary of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), the Indian officer highlighted the strong development of the VPA, saying that it is playing a crucial role in promoting stability in the region.

He affirmed that both India and Vietnam commit to maintaining security and stability in Southeast Asia and addressing non-traditional security threats.

India wants to lift its bilateral relations with Vietnam to a new height for development and prosperity of both sides, he said, expressing his belief that the VPA will make greater contributions to development, advancement and peace of the humankind.

According to Bedi, India and Vietnam have closely cooperated at regional and global forums such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the East Asia Summit (EAS), the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO). There is much room for the two countries to further expand their cooperation, he said.

For his part, Vietnamese Defence Attaché in India Colonel Nguyen Quang Chien affirmed that Vietnam resolutely and persistently struggles to resolve all disputes and disagreements through peaceful measures on the basis of international law and practice, and proactively prevents war risks.

However, Vietnam will take all necessary measures to defend itself when its sovereignty, territory and national interests are violated, Chien stressed.

While introducing the 2019 White Paper on Vietnam National Defence to participants, he reaffirmed that Vietnam will not engage a military ally or join hands with any countries to resist a third country.

Vietnam will not allow any countries to set up a military base in Vietnam or use Vietnam's territory to oppose other nations, and it will not use or threaten to use force in international relations, Chien said.
Vietnam will also strengthen defense cooperation with other countries to improve its national defense capacity and settle common security challenges, he added.

On the same day, the Vietnamese Embassy in Mozambique also hosted a get-together in Maputo to congratulate officers and soldiers of Movitel – a joint venture between Vietnam’s Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group and Mozambique's SPI Invespar company - on the VPA’s founding anniversary.

In his speech, Ambassador Le Huy Hoang highlighted the important role of the VPA in the past struggles for national liberation and the current cause of national construction and development.

The diplomat praised Movitel for its significant contributions to Vietnam’s economic development, as well as to promoting Vietnamese culture and images of its people in the host society.

Deputy General Director of Movitel Nguyen Ngoc Nam affirmed the company’s determination to bring more economic benefits to the homeland in the coming time./.VNA