Hanoi (VNA) – The Central Military Commission convened its 10th conference in Hanoi on July 8 to discuss and evaluate military and defence affairs in the first half of 2024 and deploy key tasks for the second half.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, who is also Secretary of the Central Military Commission, could not attend the event in person due to personal reasons. He sent a directive speech, highlighting several important points as references for participants during their discussions. In the Party General Secretary's remarks, read by Politburo member, Deputy Secretary of the Central Military Commission and Minister of National Defence Gen. Phan Van Giang, the Party leader noted that the global and regional situation is forecast to continue witnessing rapid, complicated, and unpredicted developments in the remaining months of the year.

He urged the commission to focus on directing the implementation of several key tasks with the determination and proactivity. These tasks include achieving set goals and missions, building strong military human resources capable of meeting new requirements, and protecting the country's sovereignty over borders, seas, and islands as well as national unity and territorial integrity.

In their keynote addresses at the conference, Politburo member, President To Lam and Politburo member, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, who are members of the commission's standing board, acknowledged and commended the significant achievements the commission and the Ministry of National Defence have obtained so far.

PM Chinh urged the commission to enhance its research capabilities, firmly grasp and accurately forecast the situation, and advise the Party and State in promulgating military and defence policies that meet the requirements of national protection in both the immediate and long-term terms.

He went on to underscore the importance of the stringent and effective work in planning, investment, finance, and defence economy in line with regulations, as well as of developing and completing modern, dual-use defence industry projects and initiatives.

Meanwhile, looking ahead, President Lam talked about the need to strengthen capabilities, build the all-people national defence position in association with the people's security, and integrate defence and security consolidation with economic development and vice versa.

He also highlighted the necessity for the commission and the ministry to effectively implement the Resolution of the 13th Party Central Committee's 8th meeting on the strategy on protect the Fatherland in the new situation, while maintaining strict combat readiness, tightly managing airspace, seas, borders, and inland areas, and firmly safeguarding sovereignty, territorial integrity, and maritime economic development activities.

It is important to build a model military Party organisation capable of leading military and defence tasks in the new situation, the President said.

He cཧalled for the commission and the ministry to rigorously implement the Politburo's conclusions on international integration and defence diplomacy until 2030 and beyond. These include stepping up bilateral and multilateral cooperation, participating in regional and international defence activities and forums as well as United Nations peacekeeping missions, and promoting international collaboration in addr🥂essing war aftermaths, mine clearance, and handling toxic chemicals./.