Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam urged for intensified efforts in searching and gathering martyrs’ remains both in and outside the country during a conference in Hanoi on February 5.

Dam, who is also head of the national steering board for the search and repatriation of martyrs’ remains, asked relevant agencies and localities to promptly compile background information of martyrs and possible search locations, while ensuring equipment readiness for search and repatriation efforts.

Meanwhile, genetic testing of recovered remains should be enhanced to ensure accurate identification of the martyrs.

He also stressed the importance of strengthening communications to raise public awareness of and responsibility for the initiatives to expand information sources.

Moreover, international cooperation is crucial in the successful recovery of the remains of martyrs abroad, particularly in Laos and Cambodia .

In 2014, the remains of more than 2,300 martyrs killed within and outside the country borders were brought home and laid to rest.

Since 2012, over 6,000 sets of remains have been found and reburied, meeting over 60 percent of the target for 2012-15.-VNA