The border guard of the central province of Thanh Hoa was presented with the “Hero of the People’s Armed Forces in the Reform Period” title on March 2 for its tireless efforts in protecting national sovereignty and border security.

The title was bestowed by Vice State President Nguyen Thi Doan on the occasion of the 56 th founding anniversary of Vietnam’s Border Guard (March 3, 1959).

Addressing the event, Senior Lieutenant General Ngo Xuan Lich, Chief of the General Department of Politics under the Vietnam People’s Army, said the Thanh Hoa border guard has fulfilled its mission to protect 192 kilometres of land borders, 102 kilometres of coastline, and 23,000 square kilometres of offshore waters.

It has also effectively engaged in improving public awareness, disaster aftermath mitigation, poverty alleviation, and the fight against cross-border crimes, he said.

The officer asked the force to successfully carry out its assigned tasks and improve the skills, spirit, and morality of its staff. It was also requested to coordinate with other State agencies, consolidate the community’s trust, uncover sabotage schemes, and fight criminal activities.

Thanh Hoa border guard must also work closely with the neighbouring Lao province of Houaphan to develop bilateral relations, Lich added.-VNA