Kien Giang (VNA) – State Presidentꩲ Luong Cuong visited and extended Lunar New Year (Tet) greetings to the armed forces based in Phu Quoc island city of the Mekong Delta province of Kien Giang on January 14.

After listening to a report on their achievements in the past year, especially in maintaining political security, ensuring social order and safety and national sovereignty over seas and islands, combatting crimes, performing search and rescue activities, and protecting maritime economic development activities, President Cuong hailed the forces for their solidarity and excellent completion of their tasks despite difficulties. He noted the significance of 2025 when many major events of the Party and country will be held. It is also the final year for finalising the goals set at the 13th National Party Congress, laying the foundation for the country to steadily enter a new area - that of the nation's rise. In this context, the State leader asked the armed forces to effectively implement Resolution No. 44-NQ/TW issued at the 13th Party Central Committee’s eighth plenum on the strategy for Fatherland protection in the new situation. At the same time, it is necessary to foil sabotage plots of hostile forces, while detecting and settling emerging problems in a timely manner, staying ready in response to any circumstances, resolutely protecting the national sovereignty over seas and islands, and advising the Party and State on measures to firmly safeguard national sovereignty, territorial integrity and a peaceful and stable environment for development, the President underlined. He requested the forces to closely coordinate with local authorities to protect the national sovereignty over seas and islands, safeguarding oil and gas activities and maritime resources exploitation, combating fishing boats’ violations of foreign waters, building a firm all-people defence posture, and performing search and rescue activities, serving as a steady fulcrum for fishermen to operate at sea and protect the national sovereignty over seas and islands. The State leader emphasised the significance of strengthening defence and security diplomacy, along with enhancing the leadership and combat capacity of Party Committees at all levels, and promoting the studying and following of President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, moral example, and lifestyle. At the same time, it is necessary to make careful preparations for all-level Party congresses towards the 14th National Party Congress, said President Cuong, stressing the need to pay greater attention to developing capacity for officials and soldiers. He also reminded the forces to join hands with local authorities to care for locals, especially policy beneficiaries and those with disadvantaged backgrounds during the Tet festival, ensuring that they enjoy a warm and wealthy festival. On this occasion, President Cuong presented gifts to officers and soldiers of the armed forces units based in Phu Quoc city./.