Party General Secretary, President  Nguyễn Phú Trọng (centre) chairs a meeting of the Central Military Commission on Monday. VNA/VNS Photo

HÀ NỘI — Despite complex regional and global situations in 2020, the Central Military Commission, the Defence Ministry and cadres at all levels have stayed united and upheld their sense of responsibility to direct the army to fulfil all its assigned tasks, heard participants at a meeting held in Hà Nội on Monday.

The meeting,  organised by the Central Military Commission (CMC), reviewed the implementation of military and defence tasks in 2020 and discussed duties for next year.

The event was chaired by Party General Secretary, State President and secretary of the commission Nguyễn Phú Trọng.

Officials at the meeting included Prime Minister Nguyễn Xuân Phúc, member of the commission’s standing board; Defence Minister Gen. Ngô Xuân Lịch, Vice Secretary of the commission; and head of the Party’s Organisation Commission Phạm Minh Chính.

Participants agreed that the CMC and the Ministry of Defence (MoD) have made precise assessments and timely proposals to the Party and State to handle all military and defence circumstances, helping secure a peaceful and stable environment for the country’s development.

The army was successful in its efforts to fight the COVID-19 pandemic and also dealt with the consequences of natural disasters, rescuing and protecting people's lives and property, they said.

Cadres and soldiers of the Viet Nam People’s Army were always ready to help people overcome difficulties in all dangerous situations, creating a shining image of the army in the eyes of the Party, State and people.

Defence diplomacy activities during the year Việt Nam was Chairman of ASEAN and a Non-Permanent Member of the United Nations Security Council were well completed, enhancing the position, prestige and image of the country and the army in the international arena.

Measures to build a strong Army Party Organisation that takes the lead in the fight to oppose hostile views, protect the Party's ideological foundation and the renewal process under the leadership of the Party were effective.

It was agreed at the meeting that in 2021, the entire army will thoroughly grasp and effectively implement the resolution of the 13th National Party Congress and resolution of the 11th Party Congress of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA), focusing on developing a pure and strong Party Organisatisation within the VPA.

At the meeting, the Central Military Commission asked the MoD to enhance the quality of the army to meet modern-day needs.

The MoD was requested to work with other agencies to overcome the consequences of natural disasters, environmental accidents and work with the Ministry of Public Security and other forces to maintain political security, social order and safety.

Defence diplomacy will be promoted under the motto "active, proactive, firm, flexible and effective"; expanding international cooperation relations, well-maintained border friendly exchange activities and participating in UN peacekeeping activities. — VNS