The Naval High Command on August 6 handed over pieces of coral collected from 21 islands and 31 garrisons across the Truong Sa (Spratly) archipelago to the Hanoi People’s Committee.

Addressing the presentation ceremony, Chairman of the Municipal People’s Committee, Nguyen The Thao, said the precious souvenirs from Truong Sa are evidences to affirm Vietnam ’s sovereignty over its seas and islands.

The gift aims to educate generations of Vietnamese people about the patriotism and the national pride and raise their awareness and responsibility for preserving and defending sea and island sovereignty and territorial integrity, he added.

Deputy Minister of National Defence, Navy Commander, Vice-Admiral Nguyen Van Hien said the corals symbolised Vietnam ’s sovereignty over the Truong Sa archipelago.

The gift reflects the deep gratitude of naval soldiers in general and the soldiers and people on Truong Sa archipelago in particular to the Party Committee, administration and people of Hanoi for their sentiment towards Truong Sa./.