Praise for the Army’s practical contributions to national achievements

The Party, State and people of Vietnam always put their utmost confidence in the army, which plays an important role in ensuring the nation’s destiny, said Party leader Nong Duc Manh at a politico-military conference in Hanoi on December 5.

At the conference, Mr Manh delivered a keynote speech on the orientations and tasks for military and national security set for the next few years.

The conference is of great significance for senior military officials and the entire army to raise their awareness of opportunities, difficulties and challenge in fulfilling their tasks for 2010. Over the past few years, the Vietnamese army has contributed to preventing the economic downturn, ensuring social welfare and increasing the quality of Party building thus meeting all requirements for national defense in the current situation, said Mr Manh.

Regarding the tasks for military and national security in 2010, the Party leader said the army is a strong political force and absolutely loyal to the nation, Party, State and people of Vietnam. The army is also a key force in rescue activities and helping people overcome the consequences of natural disasters. The army’s strength is the most important factor in maintaining peace and stability for national development.

Mr Manh called on the Vietnamese army to increase its political awareness and combative capacity to prevent and smash all schemes of sabotage from hostile forces, and understand the Party and State guidelines and policies for dealing with complicated situations, safeguarding national sovereignty and territorial integrity, maintaining political stability and ensuring national defense.

The Party leader also asked the Army’s Party Committee to make thorough preparations for all levels of the Party congress towards the ninth Army Party Congress.

On the occasion of the 65^th anniversary of the establishment of the Vietnamese People’s Army, and the 20^th anniversary of National Defense Day, Mr Manh conveyed his best regards to generals, cadres and soldiers involved in national defense and expressed his profound gratitude to heroic mothers, martyrs and war veterans.