Leaders visit master tactician Gen Giap on 100th birthday

General Vo Nguyen Giap (first right) discusses military operations with President Ho Chi Minh during the historic battle of Dien Bien Phu, in which Vietnamese forces defeated the French in May 1954. — VNS File Photo

HA NOI — The military mastermind behind victories against the French and American forces in Viet Nam, General Vo Nguyen Giap, yesterday received Party and State leaders on the occasion of his 100th birthday.

Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and National Assembly Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, along with other high-ranking officials, brought the affection and reverence of the whole nation to congratulate Giap, who turns 100 today.

An exceptional military strategist, Giap lead the Viet Nam People's Army to defeat the French colonialists and the US imperialists. He was best known for his military leadership during the historic defeat of the French at the battle of Dien Bien Phu on May 7, 1954.

Visiting the former Commander in Chief, the leaders wished him good health and longevity, to continue his contribution to the revolutionary cause of the Party and the nation.

Trong said the whole Party, army and people would always appreciate and keep in mind Giap's great achievements.

The leaders said that in carrying on the glorious revolutionary cause of previous generations, they were determined to try their best to lead the country through difficulties to successfully implement the Resolution of the 11th National Party Congress, thus helping the nation and its people thrive and prosper.

Giap expressed his thanks to the leaders for their best wishes and said he believed they, along with the people, would continue to strive for new achievements. — VNS