A gala night themed “The Heart for Sea and Islands ”, with the aim of honouring bravery fishermen and garnering support for them to continue taking part in protecting the country’s sea sovereignty, took place at the Hanoi Opera House in the capital on March 10.

Addressing the event, Deputy Prime Minister Pham Binh Minh said the programme is a practical activity to realise the sea and island related policies of the Party and State, contributing to consolidating the nation’s determination to protect its sovereignty over sea and islands.

He highly valued the contributions of fishermen, organisations and individuals in safeguarding national sea and islands as well as the development of maritime economy.

Minh expressed his hope that media agencies continue to act as a bridge for the Party and State and fishermen, while proactively publicising policies on sea and islands and maritime economic development.

The event, organised by the Vietnam Journalists’ Association (VJA), also honoured entrepreneurs, businesses, organisations and individuals involved in the protection of sea and island sovereignty and maritime economic development.

“The Heart for Sea and Islands ” called for support for fishermen, who suffered great losses during their operation in the waters of Hoang Sa (Paracel) and Truong Sa (Spratly) Archipelagoes of Vietnam, to maintain their business at sea.

Kind-hearted people can also cast their support to fishermen via the VJA website at www.hoinhabaovietnam,org.vn .

Earlier the same day, Deputy Prime Minister Vu Duc Dam hosted a reception for delegates to the programme, affirming that the Party and State always pay much attention to people in remote and poor areas, especially fishermen who have overcome difficulties to contribute to the country’s development.-VNA