President Trần Đại Quang attended a ceremony to mark the Việt Nam Association of Historical Sciences (VAHS)’s 50th founding anniversary in Hà Nội yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Nhan Sáng

HÀ NỘI  — President Trần Đại Quang attended a ceremony to mark the Việt Nam Association of Historical Sciences (VAHS)’s 50th founding anniversary in Hà Nội yesterday. 

In his speech, the President stressed that history was of special importance during the course of development. The VAHS has united historians nationwide and connected with research and training agencies, helping to promote the development of Việt Nam’s historical sciences and obtain significant achievements. 

He appreciated the association’s efforts in reforming history-related activities, popularising historical knowledge, and giving advice and feedback on structures and projects relating to Việt Nam’s history and culture. It has also given opinions on school curriculum and textbook reforms, including on history teaching and learning methods.

Public awareness of the country’s history had improved thanks to VAHS’s studies on different historical periods, from prehistory and ancient civilisations to the struggles for national liberation, the national renewal and international integration, he noted. 

The VAHS should keep its attention on summarising historical facts and theories on Việt Nam’s revolution under the Party’s leadership, thereby drawing out experience in national development and protection while providing a scientific basis for perfecting the Party’s guidelines and policies and the State’s laws. 

President Quang also asked the association to continue engaging in disseminating historical knowledge to all people, helping to improve the teaching of history, and giving feedback on relic preservation and restoration. 

It also needed to organise international forums and workshops on historical events and persons, and sea and island sovereignty to raise Vietnamese historians’ global standing and enhance co-operation with their peers around the world, he added. 

At the ceremony, President Quang presented the Labour Order (first class) to the association to recognise its devotion over the past five decades. VAHS Chairman Prof. Phan Huy Lê was granted with the Independence Order (third class). 

The VAHS comprises 33 provincial associations, four specialised associations, and 22 others at central research and history training agencies, gathering more than 5,200 members. — VNS