National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has highlighted the important geographical position of Bach Long Vi island district and its role as an ideal location for the development of fishing and tourism in line with the national socio-economic development plan.

The NA leader made the statement at a meeting with Bach Long Vi island district voters in the northern port city of Hai Phong on Tuesday which was held on the threshold of the second anniversary of implementation of the 11th National Party Congress and the socio-economic development plan for the 2011-15 period.

Voters proposed the NA to instruct the city to enrich people's spiritual lives, and increase investment to supply fresh water and develop transport between the island and the mainland.

They expressed their hope for more investment in the sea dyke reinforcement project, the provision of seed varieties and improved internet connection.

Hung asked the city to take advantage of the island's geography and economic potential in developing its socio-economic development and instructed authorities to raise the quality of education and training, healthcare and cultural facilities.

NA Chairman Hung also visited and presented gifts to the Lighthouse Station, Regiment 952 and the Border Guard Station on the island.

On the same day, at a working session with city officials, Hung commended the city's Party Committee, authorities and people on their efforts to maintain a high economic growth rate.

He suggested the city focus on building a strong Party organisation and political system to ensure the successful implementation of Resolutions passed by the 11th National Party Congress.

* Condolences sent to Russia

President Truong Tan Sang yesterday sent his sympathy to Russian President Dmitry Medvedev after an oil rig sank off the coast of Sakhalin Island on Sunday.

Associated Press (AP) reports that of the 67 men aboard, 14 had been rescued from the icy water while 39 were still missing.

It quoted the Emergencies Ministry as saying that 11 bodies had been recovered and three objects believed to be bodies have been spotted but not yet retrieved. There was no sign of the others.

* Cambodia thanks VN for support

The President of the Cambodian National Assembly, Heng Samrin, hosted a reception for a delegation from the Vietnamese Ministry of Information and Communications (VMIC) led by Minister Nguyen Bac Son on Tuesday.

Heng Samrin spoke highly of the co-operation between the Vietnamese ministry and its Cambodian counterparts, ministries of Information and Posts and Telecommunication, which, he said, benefited the people of the two countries.

He said he believed the two countries would continue to develop comprehensive co-operation.

Minister Son said Viet Nam would give further communications support to Cambodia, especially when Cambodia hosts ASEAN meetings in 2012.

VietNamNet/Viet Nam News