Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc yesterday exhorted Brigade 242 to exercise perpetual vigilance and be well-prepared to manage all situations. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc yesterday exhorted Brigade 242 to exercise perpetual vigilance and be well-prepared to manage all situations.

Addressing the brigade on the occasion of the 72nd anniversary of Việt Nam People’s Army (December 22), he said doing their duty well would ensure national defence and sovereignty.

Under the Military Zone 3 High Command, Brigade 242 is based in Quảng Ninh Province, and assigned defence tasks in Vân Đồn and Cô Tô districts.

Established in September 1969, the brigade has changed its number and organisation many times to suit actual assignments, said Lieutenant-Colonel Trần Hồng Phong.

“Since its inception, all the officers and soldiers of the unit have always stayed united, been dynamic and ready to overcome difficulties and successfully fulfill assigned duties, building up a tradition of solidarity and resilience to defend the islands,” Phong told the PM.

Besides their primary responsibility, the brigade’s staff have also been active in undertaking social-economic tasks in the community, for example, helping locals overcome the aftermath of natural disasters and assisting with controlling fires, including forest fires.

Praising their achievements, PM Phúc said “I do hope that officials and soldiers of the Brigade 242 and Military Zone 3 will continue building on their gains to successfully perform defence tasks in the locality.

“We need to do well the duties assigned by the Party and State in the coming time. With a coastline stretching over 3,200km, the issue of seas and island is of significance in the task of national security and defence.”

“Therefore, the whole staff should raise vigilance, improve training activities, and be ready for fighting to ensure that you do not fall in the defensive and take control of all situations.

“Additionally, mass mobilisation should be paid attention to, especially of local residents. It is essential to exercise military discipline, and preserve and bring into full play the relationship between the army and people,” the PM said.

Congratulating the officials and soldiers on the 72th anniversary of Việt Nam People’s Army, Phúc highlighted the glorious tradition of Việt Nam People’s Army in liberating and protecting the nation, with many soldiers giving up their lives. — VNS