Hanoi (VNA) – State President To Lam inspeꦇcted combat readiness of the Vietnam People’s Navy (VPN) in the northern port city of Hꦑai Phong on June 7.

VPN Commander Vice Admiral Tran Thanh Nghiem briefed the leader on the force's achievements, noting that it has effectively fulfilled all assignments in accordance with the directives and resolutions of the Party, the Central Military Commission, and the Ministry of National Defence, particularly in protecting Vietnam’s sovereignty in the sea. Lam underlined the VPN's vital role in the people's armed forces, especially its founding and training under the Party and President Ho Chi Minh's leadership. Acknowledging outstanding achievements by the VPN over the past years, the President lauded the ministry’s thorough and effective direction, and the support and coordination from ministries, agencies, and localities. These joint efforts, he noted, have strengthened the VPN in all aspects, ensuring its readiness for contemporary challenges. In the dissemination work on the sea and island sovereignty, promoting economic development linked to sea protection, conducting search and rescue at sea, the VPN has always been a pioneer, a solid support for the people, he said, adding that national defence diplomacy has contributed to effectively performing the Party and State’s foreign policies and guidelines to build the sea of peace and friendship. He urged the VPN to continue playing a crucial role in building an all-people defence and an all-people war posture at sea, actively working closely with other forces and localities to build strong defence zones, following the policy of combining defence and security with economic development, and building a strong local political base to strengthen the military-civilian relationship. Building a robust and ethical VPN Party Organisation was another key point, the President said, stressing the importance of leadership improvement and combat readiness at all levels. He advocated for continued study of President Ho Chi Minh's ideology and lifestyle and a resolute fight against corruption and other negative phenomena, degradation, self-evolution, and self-transformation within the VPN. In response to World Oceans Day (June 8th), he encouraged the VPN to promote public engagement in activities that protect Vietnam's maritime sovereignty while fostering economic development. The leader expressed confidence in the VPN's ability to safeguard the nation's sovereignty over the seas, islands, and continental shelves, maintain peace and stability at sea, and uphold the trust from the Party, State, and people./.