Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung toured the ethnic commune of Mo Rai in Sa Thay district on January 6 during his working trip to the Central Highlands province of Kon Tum.

Sharing 100 kilometres of borderline with Cambodia, Mo Rai commune is located in a strategic area in terms of socio-economic progression and national defence. It is home to around 10,000 households of seven ethnic groups.

PM Dung said he hopes the local authorities will keep up their good job in implementing economic and socio-cultural tasks so that local residents can enjoy better healthcare, traditional cultures and education.

National defence and security should be fortified to build a border of peace, cooperation and friendship with Cambodia, the leader noted.

He also announced that Sa Thay will be split to form a new district called Nam Sa Thay. The locality will be divided into four communes, Mo Rai, Ia Dom, Ia Toi and Ia Dal.

The Cabinet leader asked Sa Thay district and Kon Tum to pay heed to development planning, infrastructure, residential resettlement, cultivation of industrial plants, forest protection, and security and order, particularly following the separation.

He also took the occasion to present New Year gifts to armed forces, enterprises and locals in Mo Rai commune, before attending a ceremony to announce the establishment of the three new communes and interim authorities of Ia Dom, Ia Toi and Ia Dal.-VNA