A dancing performance at a ceremony in Hanoi on December 18 that marked 70 years of the national resistance day

He made the appeal in an article written on the occasion of 70 years of the National Resistance Day (December 19, 1946).

Looking back at the days when the national resistance war began, the President described the call for national resistance by President Ho Chi Minh then was the voice of the nation that successfully aroused the national pride and the traditional heroism and undauntedness of the Vietnamese people. In response to the appeal, the entire country rose up to fight for the Fatherland’s sacred independence and freedom.

The Vietnamese army and people, with the spirit of “dying in defence of the Fatherland”, waged a resistance war against French invaders which started with the 60-day fight in Hanoi capital city.

After nine years of fighting heroically, the Vietnamese army and people defeated the French colonialists and the US interventionists with the peak being the Dien Bien Phu victory in 1954 that “resounded throughout five continents and was world-shaking.”

The victory of the resistance war had a great historical meaning, forcing French colonialists to recognise Vietnam’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, President Quang wrote.

Upholding the national resistance spirit, over three decades of reforms, the entire Party, army and people have surmounted numerous difficulties and challenges to obtain great accomplishments, thereby creating important prerequisites for stronger reforms and development in the following years. Those attainments have also proved that the Party’s Doi Moi (renewal) guidelines are right and creative, and Vietnam’s path towards socialism suits the country’s situation and the development course in history, he added.

The President noted that to advance the national industrialisation and modernisation, and firmly protect the socialist Vietnam, the entire Party, army and people must be fully aware of the new situation along with new requirements and tasks. The Party, army and people must bring into full play the political resolve to press on with comprehensive and synchronous reforms, optimise every opportunity, and overcome all difficulties and challenges so as to realise the target of “rich people, strong nation, democracy, equality and civilisation.” 

The Party, army and people should consolidate the great national unity, make use of opportunities in the current era, and educate and encourage patriotism to combine the whole country’s strength in the national development and protection.

The State leader stressed the need to put national interests first while harmonising the country’s interests with those of other countries in the region and around the world in line with basic principles of international law, and actively engaging in the settlement of issues of common concern.

He called on the country to be steadfast in implementing the policy of independence, autonomy, multilateralisation and diversification of foreign relations, and proactive and active international integration.

At the same time, it is also a must to determinedly and persistently protect national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, firmly safeguard the country’s border and sea, island and sky sovereignty, while keeping a peaceful and stable environment for sustainable development, President Quang wrote in his article.

VNA