President Truong Tan Sang on June 26 met with voters in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City, to inform them of the outcomes of the freshly-ended 7th session of the 13th National Assembly.

The voters in general and representatives of the intellectual circle and religious dignitaries in particular expressed their deep concern about the recent developments in the East Sea after China illegally placed its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s waters in early May.

They strongly condemned China’s wrongful actions, suggesting the Party and State leaders resolutely implement measures to safeguard the national sovereignty while boosting economic development and reinforcing defence strength.

Regarding recent disturbances in Binh Duong and Ha Tinh provinces, the voters asked for strict punishment on instigators and their accompanies as well as considering responsibilities of individuals and agencies that failed to apply timely prevention measures.

Acknowledging NA deputies’ efforts during the session, religious representatives said they agreed with the Party and State’s policies on freedom of belief and proposed the competent agencies to strictly punish any action that take advantage of faith to undermine the unity among religions.

The voters also suggested the Party and State take more care of the lives of fishermen and islanders. Applauding a 16 trillion VND (761 million USD) support package for coast guard and fisheries surveillance forces and fishermen, they also urged NA deputies to closely supervise the use of the sum.

Sharing the voters’ concerns, President Sang reiterated that Vietnam’s stance is to be a friend and reliable partner of the international community for peace and development, confirming that “Vietnam does not depend on any country.”

For China, Vietnam always wishes to strengthen the friendship and equal and mutually beneficial cooperation with the neighbour, he said, adding that after China illegally stationed its oil rig in Vietnam’s waters, Vietnam has sought every measure to solve the dispute peacefully in line with international law.

The truth of Vietnam’s national sovereignty and justice in the East Sea is clearly understood and supported by countries around the world, he affirmed.

The State leader took the occasion to call on people at home and abroad to raise their sense of patriotism, saying that great unity is a decisive factor in safeguarding the national sovereignty.

The same day, many Party and State leaders including standing member of the Party Central Committee’s Secretariat Le Hong Anh, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, and Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan had meetings with voters nationwide.-VNA