Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc attended a political-military conference in Hà Nội on Monday to review the implementation of military-defence tasks for 2019 and set orientations for 2020. — VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc on Monday praised the defence ministry’s performance through the year in giving strategic advice to the Party and State in military-related issues, as well as effectively dealing with diverse circumstances.

And the leader said as the world enters the Fourth Industrial Revolution, the nation must ensure the best possible defence from cyber-attacks, improving its fighting capability in this field.

Addressing a political-military conference in Hà Nội to review the implementation of military-defence tasks for 2019 and set orientations for 2020, the leader also said through dealing with complicated developments, especially those in the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) earlier this year, the military has shown responsibility and sensitiveness in evaluating the situation.

He also said they have giving timely reports and consultations on responding measures, safeguarding the national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and creating peaceful and stable environment for national development.

Regarding tasks for 2020, the Government leader noted the global situation may see complicated developments with fiercer competition among world powers, along with unexpected maritime risks.

He asked the military to stay vigilant, actively update and forecast situations to give timely advice to the Party and State, firmly safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, unity and territorial integrity, especially at sea.

At the same time, the Ministry of Defence should work to promote the synergy of the whole political system to build the all-people defence in close association with the people-based security, turning provinces and cities into firm defence zones, building close links among military zones and improving efficiency of militia and reserve forces, he asked.

It is also crucial to maintain combat readiness, while closely managing the national sky, sea, border and cyberspace, he stressed, adding that cyberspace is where the ministry will need to focus efforts to improve its fighting capacity.

He also requested the Ministry of Defence to strengthen external relations, while making good preparations for defence and military events as Việt Nam prepares to take its role in 2020 as the ASEAN Chair.

The ministry should foster defence collaboration with countries, especially neighbours, while actively engaging in multilateral defence cooperation mechanisms and the EU, and continuing the responsible engagement in peacekeeping activities, raising the international position and prestige of the country and military of Việt Nam, he said.

Delivering a report at the conference, Sen. Lieut. Gen. Phan Văn Giang, Chief of the General Staff of the Việt Nam People’s Army and Deputy Defence Minister, said despite complicated regional and world developments and difficulties and challenges, the Military Commission and the Ministry of Defence have completed all assigned tasks

Along with providing timely and effective advice to the Party and State, the Ministry of Defence has deepened external defence relations and completing the military legal system, he said, adding that the ministry has actively coordinated with other ministries, sectors and localities in implementing socio-economic plans and programmes to ensure security and defence.

In 2020, the ministry will effectively implement the Central Military Commission’s resolution on tasks for the year, while giving early forecasts and evaluation of situations to give timely advice to the Party and State. The ministry will submit a draft Việt Nam Border Defence Law to the National Assembly.

Together with enhancing the efficiency of international integration and external defence relations, the ministry will also strengthen friendship border exchanges. — VNS