Solidarity and unity are the most important characteristics shared by the Vietnamese people, including its ethnic minority populations, said Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Council of Nationalities Be Truong Thanh at a conference here on April 20.

Speaking at the national workshop entitled “Community of Vietnamese ethnic minorities and the policy of national solidarity”, one of the many activities being held in preparation for the upcoming national congress of ethnic minorities which is slated to take place next month, Thanh said solidarity in building a united community among various ethnic groups has been an age-old tradition practiced in Vietnam.

Ha Van Nui, Vice President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front, reiterated his organisation’s commitment to participate in all activities to consolidate the great national unity and solidarity among Vietnamese people.

He promised to supervise the enforcement of laws by government agencies, elected representatives and public servants in mountainous regions, where the majority of the country’s ethnic minority people live, to ensure they will not be marginalised, and to pay more attention to issues in these areas.

Tran Huu Thang, Deputy Minister of Home Affairs, said his ministry had always paid due attention to ethnic minorities in its development of national programmes, projects and legal documents.

“We have organised many training courses on state governance, political theories, legal aid and information technology for local officials involved in ethnic minority areas,” said Thang.

Nong Van Luu, Lieutenant General and deputy director general of the Department of Security at the Ministry of Public Security, expressed his appreciation of the important role of the people, including ethnic minorities, in the All People’s Defence movement.

“It is important to win trust in Party leadership and the great national unity of the ethnic people,” said Luu.

Five key themes were discussed during the workshop, including the great national unity; economic development and poverty reduction; conservation and enhancement of traditional cultures; education and training; and the building of the All People’s Defence movement and security in mountainous and border regions./.