President Truong Tan Sang offered incense at a shrine dedicated to President Ho Chi Minh in the Pac Bo historical relic site in the mountainous province of Cao Bang on January 11 as part of his tour to the nation’s northern border areas.

The President paid homage and extended Tet (Lunar New Year) greetings to veteran Hoang Thi Khin, a former courier for the late President during the pre-uprising period in Pac Bo village, Ha Quang district. The leader also greeted several families of war invalids in Thach An district.

President Sang praised the contributions made by veterans to the country’s successful fight for independence, and expressed his desire that they will continue setting an example to the upcoming generations, especially border residents and soldiers.

The state leader also visited locals in Van Trinh commune, Thach An district, which was presented with the title “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces”.

The locality, where the first Party cell of the district was established, is now home to 400 households of four ethnic groups.

In a bid to develop a new-style rural area, the commune has shifted its crop structure, forming a larger area devoted to the growth of sugarcane. Meanwhile, 95 percent of the households in the commune have accessed the national grid for a stable supply of electricity.

The President said he believes that the commune will reduce the poverty rate from the current 19 percent soon.

During his visit, he also visited the construction site of the Saigon-Ban Goc Resort, which is expected to open in October this year to tap the tourism potential of the Ban Gioc waterfalls in Trung Khanh district.

He also paid a visit to soldiers stationed at Dam Thuy border post, who are protecting 18.6km of borderline, 60 border markers and the two border communes of Chi Vien and Dam Thuy in the district.

The President commended their achievements in ensuring national security and defence, contributing to building a border area of peace and friendship.-VNA