PM Nguyễn Xuân Phúc presents the first-class Labour Order to the VAVN in honour of its contributions to socialism and national protection. — VNA/VNS Photo Thống Nhất

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc lauded the Veterans Association of Việt Nam (VAVN) for its active contributions to national construction and defence during a ceremony in Hà Nội yesterday to mark its 30th anniversary (December 6).

In his speech, he congratulated the VAVN on its achievements over the past three decades, as well as 585 outstanding individuals involved in the national patriotic emulation movement for the 2014-2019 period.

He asked the association to improve its operational efficiency to fulfil its tasks, adding that each VAVN official and member must have strong political will, hold absolute trust in the Party, and follow the Party's policies and guidelines and State laws.

War veterans were urged to fight wrongful allegations and “peaceful evolution” plots by hostile forces, as well as prevent “self-evolution” and “self-transformation”, while urging public involvement in the campaign “All people protect national security”.

The VAVN was assigned to work closely with the Việt Nam Fatherland Front at all levels to develop grassroots democracy and build a transparent, effective and efficient Party and administration.

On the occasion, PM Phúc presented the first-class Labour Order to the VAVN in honour of its contributions to socialism and national protection.

Speaking at the event, Defence Minister Gen. Ngô Xuân Lịch asked the VAVN Central Committee to continue carrying out the co-operation programme with the Việt Nam People’s Army for the 2017 – 2022 period, with a focus on building a strong political system and maintaining social security and order.

Chairman of the Lao Veterans Association Maj. Gen Somphone Keomisay presented the second-class Labour Order of the Lao President to VAVN Chairman Sen. Lieut. Gen Nguyễn Văn Được and the third-class Labour Order to VAVN Vice Chairmen Lieut. Gen Nguyễn Song Phi and Nguyễn Văn Đạo for their support in providing scholarships and Vietnamese language training for officers of the Lao Veterans Association.

According to VAVN Chairman Nguyễn Văn Được, the association has nearly 3 million members from over 16,000 units in wards, communes and townships.

Over 8,000 small and medium-sized enterprises, 1,300 co-operatives and 2,600 co-operative groups of VAVN members have created jobs for 800,000 workers. — VNS