Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung met with representatives from the liaison committee of public security cadres who fought in southern battlefields during the country’s American resistance war on April 21 on the occasion of the 40 th anniversary of National Reunification Day (April 30).

During the meeting, PM Dung affirmed that the Party, State and people continually respect and appreciate those who sacrificed their lives for the country’s liberation and reunification cause, including those working in public security forces.

He hailed the committee for its organisation of practical programmes and activities to promote and uphold its performance.

The PM said Vietnam reaped remarkable achievements in national defence and construction over the last four decades.

However, he also noted that the country must also overcome difficulties and challenges to strengthen its Party, promote the country’s socio-economic development and improve people’s living conditions.

He called on members of the committee to continue contributing their efforts to realising the country’s development targets.

In the past, over 11,000 public security officials volunteered to fight in the southern battlefields. They contributed to building political power, launching movements and protecting revolutionary bases. The force also effectively assisted military campaigns and expanded librated areas.

Over 900 members of the force laid down their lives while hundreds were injured or suffered from Agent Orange exposure. Their service contributed meaningfully to the victory on April 30, 1975 which reunified the country.-VNA