Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc hands over gifts to the High Command of Hà Nội while visiting the unit on Monday on the occasion of the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) festival.– VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc praised the High Command of Hà Nội for its comprehensive performance of tasks over the past year while visiting the unit on Monday on the occasion of the upcoming Tết (Lunar New Year) festival.

He highlighted the unit’s proactive advising of local authorities on the implementation of defence-military missions in close connection with the socio-economic development of the capital city; maintaining combat readiness and effectively co-ordinating with other forces to ensure absolute safety during critical political events and major anniversaries.

Regarding key national defence and security tasks in 2018, PM Phúc said apart from advantages, the regional and international situations remained complicated and the imperatives of national construction and national defence created new tasks and requirements. He urged the Ministry of National Defence and Hà Nội authorities to pay special attention to building strong armed forces to effectively fulfill assigned tasks.

They should proactively advise local authorities on the implementation of Party resolutions on national defence and security; continue innovation in defence activities focusing on improving the qualification, training and education of members of the armed units; incessantly improve their political firmness; and master the use of specialised and advanced equipment and techniques in defence activities, he said.  

The unit should also effectively co-ordinate with other forces to ensure absolute safety during critical political events and major anniversaries, as well as national security, social order and safety for the capital city, the PM noted.

It was necessary for the unit to speed up international integration and improve external defence relations; proactively participate in supporting needy people and in natural disaster prevention and mitigation, as well as in search and rescue activities.

Regarding the upcoming traditional Tết festivities, PM Phúc asked the unit’s leaders to pay more attention to the spiritual and material life of its troops, particularly those who are on duty during Tết and those from disadvantaged families.

As the Lunar New Year is drawing near, the PM wished the command, its troops and militia and self-defence force good health, happiness and success in task performance. — VNS