Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has recognised and valued the contributions of the external information service to the implementation of the Resolution of the 13th National Party Congress, helping consolidate and improve the role, position and prestige of the Party and State of Vietnam in the international arena. 

He also hailed the role of those who engage in the external information service when speaking at the awarding ceremony of the 9th National External Information Service Awards held at the Hanoi Opera House on October 12. 

The government leader urged those who work in the field to continue their efforts to popularise the Party and State’sforeign policies and economic development guidelines and policies, and promote Vietnam’s culture, tangible and intangiblecultural heritage.

"We should tell interesting stories about Vietnam so that international friendswill understand the country better and give further support to us," he said,stressing that more efforts should be exerted to find out the most effectiveway to improve the efficiency of the external information service.

He particularly stressed that the press must work harder in the fight against distortedinformation and allegations which intend to defame the Party and State.  

The 9th National External Information Service Award received 1,456 entries, up 30% from the number in the previous edition, and including 78 works submitted by foreigners and Overseas Vietnamese. They covered the country’s important political, socio-economic events and external affairs, along with the Party and State’s policies, national achievements, and the beauty of Vietnamese land, people and culture.

A total of 110 prizes were presented to excellent works, comprising 8 first, 22 second, 30 third and 50 consolation prizes.

The Vietnam News Agency won 19 prizes - four first, five second, four third and six consolation prizes./.