National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân hands over gift to a resident in Hà Giang Province on Sunday.— VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

HÀ GIANG — National Assembly (NA) Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân praised border guard soldiers for overcoming challenges to stay united and accomplish their assigned tasks.

The NA top leader made the remarks during her meeting with Border Guard Command staff in the northern mountainous province of Hà Giang on Sunday.

“Located up to the north of Việt Nam with 277km of border line and 34 boundary communes and towns, life remains difficult for local people,” said Ngân.

“However, provincial authorities have implemented Party and State policies while border guard soldiers, local police and relevant authorities have worked together to gradually stabilise and improve the living standards of residents in border areas.”

Ngân said the soldiers have also promoted external relationships and people-to-people diplomacy. They have expanded co-operation with neighbouring countries’ border guard forces to effectively maintain patrols and fight cross-border crimes, which contributes to a peaceful, friendship and co-operative border for mutual development.

She also spoke highly of the provincial border guard forces’ fight against crimes, especially drug trafficking and human trafficking, which helps strengthen political security and social order in the locality.

Some activities implemented by the force include mobilisation to support the poor and a programme to help local children get access to education.

As the Tết (Lunar New Year) is approaching, the NA chairwoman called for the Border Guard Command to pay attention to the spiritual and material life of the soldiers, particularly those who perform their duty during the Tết holidays, and to work with local authorities to provide better care for local residents, especially impoverished people, to make sure that all households will enjoy a warm New Year.

Late on the same day, the NA chairwoman made a visit to the High Command of Military Zone 2 based in northern Phú Thọ Province’s Việt Trì City.

“Carrying the spirit and responsibility of President Hồ Chí Minh’s soldiers, the military zone 2’s force has surpassed numerous difficulties to accomplish their tasks, firmly protecting the territorial sovereignty and national border, maintaining security in the locality, and enabling local people to accelerate socio-economic development,” Ngân said.

She called for the force to stay ready to fight, carry out training activities and effectively recruit new soldiers. She also urged the soldiers to prepare for a warm, safe and healthy Tết and to care for the impoverished people, especially households hard hit by recent floodings.

Sharing the glorious victory of the Vietnamese U23 football team, Ngân told the soldiers that carefully designed strategies, human resources and solidarity are needed for any success. — VNS