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Rear Admiral Ho Thanh Hoan and naval officers |
The delegation visited Song Tu Tay (Southwest Cay), Son Ca (Sand Cay), Nam Yet (Namyit), Da Lon (Discovery Great Reef) C, Truong Sa (Spratly), and DK1/19 Platform.
During the trip, delegates joined a series of meaningful activities, including presenting gifts to troops and residents on the islands and platform, attending the flag-raising ceremony and military review on Truong Sa Island; taking part in a a ceremony in tribute to soldiers who sacrificed their lives defending national maritime sovereignty; and joining cultural exchanges with officers and soldiers.
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A ceremony held in tribute to fallen soldiers |
A key highlight was the inauguration of a vegetable garden on Truong Sa Island. The project was funded by the Hoang Sa - Truong Sa Club in Poland and the Vietnamese community in Poland, following the visit in April 2025. It reflected the overseas Vietnamese community’s continued support for Truong Sa through practical and meaningful contributions.
Overseas Vietnamese communities also donated more than VND 1.2 billion in cash, essential goods, and electronic equipment to improve living conditions for troops and civilians stationed on the islands and platform. In addition, the Hoang Sa - Truong Sa Club in Poland, the Vietnamese community in Poland, and delegates from the Czech Republic contributed another VND 250 million to the Vietnam People’s Navy for a second vegetable garden under the Greening Truong Sa program.
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The delegation offering flower and incense… |
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…attending a flag-raising ceremony on Truong Sa Island |
The journey gave delegates firsthand insight into the lives and duties of military personnel and residents in remote maritime areas. Witnessing the harsh conditions and the resilience of those serving there helped deepen their understanding of Vietnam’s policies and efforts to protect national sovereignty over sea and islands.
During the visit, various cultural activities, including poetry, photography, musical exchanges, chess competitions, and maritime knowledge contests, were held on board, helping strengthen ties between delegates and service members while promoting national unity.
Delegates also joined discussions on strengthening overseas Vietnamese associations, youth affairs, preserving the Vietnamese language, and building science and technology networks. These exchanges created momentum for future cooperation programs.
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Delegates visit the vegetable garden on Truong Sa. |
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At the handover of the garden |
In his closing remarks, Rear Admiral Ho Thanh Hoan, Deputy Poilitical Director of the Vietnam People’s Navy and head of the delegation, said that the trip reaffirmed Vietnam’s sovereignty over its sea and islands while contributing to mobilizing support for Truong Sa.
Nguyen Trung Kien, Chairman of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese Affairs and deputy head of the delegation, described the journey as a valuable and emotional experience that deepened participants’ appreciation of the determination and sacrifices involved in safeguarding national sovereignty. He called on overseas Vietnamese communities to continue promoting solidarity and spreading awareness of Vietnam’s maritime sovereignty.
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Overseas Vietnamese taking care of vegetables on the island |
After the voyage, many delegates continued to attend the Hung Kings Commemoration program in Phu Tho and Lang Son from April 24 to 26, continuing their journey toward the nation’s roots.
Translated by Tran Hoai