Phu Tho (VNA) – NationalAssembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan lauded the Party Committee of theMilitary Zone 2 High Command for fulfilling its assigned tasks during a workingsession in the northern province of Phu Tho on January 28.

Ngan said Military Zone 2 lies in the northand northwest of the nation - a significant strategic location with a border ofmore than 1,300km and 34 ethnic minority groups.

She hailed the staff for improving theirreadiness for fighting, contributing to safeguarding territorial integrity and theborder as well as maintaining stability in the locality.

On the occasion, she presented New Yeargifts to staff of Military Zone 2, the provincial Military High Command andBrigades 297 and 604.

In the morning the same day, the NA leader visitedthe Border Guards’ High Command in the northern mountainous province of HaGiang.

As a northwestern border province, Ha Giangshares a border of more than 277km with China.

Provincial authorities have worked withagencies and the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) chapters to improve locallives.

Border guards have also stepped uppeople-to-people diplomacy, expanded ties with the neighbouring country and maintainedbilateral patrols and cross-border anti-crime cooperation.

The top legislator urged officers andsoldiers to build on past achievements and care for ethnic minorities,particularly welfare beneficiaries and poor households.

On the occasion, NA Chairwoman Ngan togetherwith Chairman of the VFF Central Committee Tran Thanh Man, leaders of theDefence Ministry and Border Guards’ High Command presented New Year gifts toprovincial border guards.-VNA