President Truong Tan Sang offered incense at a shrine dedicated toPresident Ho Chi Minh in the Pac Bo historical relic site in themountainous province of Cao Bang on January 11 as part of histour to the nation’s northern border areas.

ThePresident paid homage and extended Tet (Lunar New Year) greetings toveteran Hoang Thi Khin, a former courier for the late President duringthe pre-uprising period in Pac Bo village, Ha Quang district. The leaderalso greeted several families of war invalids in Thach An district.

President Sang praised the contributions made byveterans to the country’s successful fight for independence, andexpressed his desire that they will continue setting an example to theupcoming generations, especially border residents and soldiers.

The state leader also visited locals in Van Trinh commune, Thach Andistrict, which was presented with the title “Hero of the People’s ArmedForces”.

The locality, where the first Party cellof the district was established, is now home to 400 households of fourethnic groups.

In a bid to develop a new-stylerural area, the commune has shifted its crop structure, forming a largerarea devoted to the growth of sugarcane. Meanwhile, 95 percent ofthe households in the commune have accessed the national grid for astable supply of electricity.

The President said he believes that the commune will reduce the poverty rate from the current 19 percent soon.

During his visit, he also visited the construction site of theSaigon-Ban Goc Resort, which is expected to open in October this year totap the tourism potential of the Ban Gioc waterfalls in Trung Khanhdistrict.

He also paid a visit to soldiersstationed at Dam Thuy border post, who are protecting 18.6km ofborderline, 60 border markers and the two border communes of Chi Vienand Dam Thuy in the district.

The Presidentcommended their achievements in ensuring national security and defence,contributing to building a border area of peace and friendship.-VNA