NA Chairwoman Ngan presents a third-class Military Order to the Vietnam Coast Guard in recognition of its achievements. (Source: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan has described the Vietnam Coast Guard as the core force in protecting national security, and maritime order and safety.
Addressing a ceremony to mark 20 years of the traditional day of the Vietnam Coast Guard in Hanoi on August 28, the top legislator stressed the important role of Vietnam’s seas and islands in national construction and defence.
The Party and State consistently pursue the policy of protecting and developing the sea-based economy, she said.
Citing the Maritime Strategy until 2020 and the Maritime Law, Ngan added that the National Assembly is expected to adopt a Law on Vietnam Coast Guard during its upcoming sixth session.
To better fulfill its role, the Vietnam Coast Guard should carry forward achievements and overcome shortcomings, while seriously implementing the Party’s guidelines and policies on military and national defence, she said.
The NA Chairwoman urged the force to work harder in order to improve combat capacity of all-level Party committees and organisations, and raise the quality of personnel training.
Apart from the communication work, the force needs to pay attention to international cooperation and joining hands with law enforcement forces and competent agencies of foreign countries to address sea-related issues, she said.
Over the past time, the Vietnam Coast Guard has prevented thousands of foreign vessels from violating Vietnam’s waters, detected hundreds of trade fraud cases, and busted many major drug rings. Besides, the force has provided support for fishermen who were in distress at sea.
The Vietnam Coast Guard has set up bilateral and multilateral ties, and hotlines with law enforcement forces of 20 countries in the region and the world at large, helping create an image of Vietnam as a responsible nation in preserving maritime security, order and safety, and coping with non-traditional security challenges.
At the ceremony, NA Chairwoman Ngan presented a third-class Military Order to the Vietnam Coast Guard in recognition of its achievements.-VNA
VNA