President Truong Tan Sang on Jan. 20 paid a New Year visit to Hai Phong port city’s Party committee and people and officers and soldiers of the Vietnam People’s Navy and Military Zone 3.

Meeting with Hai Phong officials and people, President Sang expressed his delight at the port city’s socio-economic development.

In 2011, Hai Phong registered an economic growth rate of 11 percent, 1.9 times higher than the country’s average rate, fulfilled 12 out of 15 major targets and attracted 946 million USD in FDI.

At the Vietnam People’s Navy headquarters, President Sang spoke highly of the Navy’s determination to defend the country’s sovereignty and maintain a peaceful environment.

He said he believes that the Navy will continue promoting their strong tradition, increase drilling exercises and continue renewing defence external affairs, creating more strength for the armed forces.

Speaking to officers and soldiers of Military Zone 3, the President stressed the strategic position of Military Zone 3 in the country’s northeast. The military zone’s armed forces have been on standby for defence, flood prevention and rescue and closely monitoring military activities along the border line and at sea and islands, contributing to maintaining stability in the locality and defending the country’s sovereignty.

Also the same day, National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung visited the NA Office, wishing them a Happy New Year./.