Hanoi (VNA) – Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attended and delivered remarks at the national military-political conference held by the Central Military Commission and the Ministry of National Defence on July 2.

The conference reviewed the army’s performance in the first half of 2025 and outlined key tasks for the remainder of the year. It was organised in person at the ministry's headquarters and connected virtually to over 3,000 delegates across military units nationwide.

In his speech, PM Chinh commended the military’s comprehensive achievements, particularly in maintaining national defence and security across all domains – land, sea, air, border, and cyberspace. He acknowledged its proactive role in building an all-people national defence posture closely linked to the people-based security posture while fulfilling its functions as a fighting force, a working force, and a production force.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2025, when there remains much to be done and important events will take place, including the celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day (September 2) and all-level Party congresses in the run up to the 14th National Party Congress, the PM asked the army to accelerate efforts to fulfil all assigned tasks.

Priorities include continuing to properly perform its role as a strategic advisory body for military and defence affairs of the Party and State, improving the research and forecasting capacity, flexibly and efficiently dealing with all circumstances, successfully responding to all types of war in the new context, and perfecting the legal framework on military and defence affairs.

He requested the army base on the people to efficiently implement the all-people national defence policy and resolutely prevent hostile forces to incite the people.

The Government leader emphasised the importance of better combining national defence missions with socio-economic development tasks, especially in border and maritime areas, He also asked for improving the material and spiritual lives of both military personnel and their families, and actively participating in social welfare programmes, particularly the elimination of temporary and dilapidated houses for revolution contributors before July 27, which is the War Invalids and Martyrs' Day.

In addition, he demanded further promoting the combatant strength and readiness of the army to firmly safeguard the country's sky, sea, border, and land areas as well as cyberspace, ensuring a lean and strong apparatus, building a politically strong army, enhancing the Party's absolute and direct leadership over all aspects of the army, and stepping up the development of the defence industry.

On external affairs, the PM directed the army to comprehensively and effectively carry out international integration and defence diplomacy. In particular, it must maintian solidarity with the militaries of neighbouring countries; boost bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation; reinforce strategic trust with partners; properly, harmoniously and flexibly handle issues; and actively engage in defence diplomatic activities, international forums, and United Nations peacekeeping operations.

Concluding his remarks, PM Chinh affirmed that strengthening national defence and firmly protecting the Fatherland is a key and sacred mission of the army. He expressed his belief that with its proud traditions, solidarity, democracy, innovative mindset, and a strong sense of responsibility, the Vietnamese army will definitely continue to excel in its duties and remain worthy of the trust placed in it by the Party, State, and people.

At the conference, participants highlighted the military’s contributions to civil defence, disaster response, and humanitarian aid. More than 50,800 personnel, nearly 2,100 vehicles, including helicopters and boats, were mobilised for disaster relief and search-and-rescue missions. Notably, forces and over 75 tonnes of supplies were sent to assist Myanmar in overcoming the earthquake aftermath.

The miliary have continued streamlining their organisational structure, successfully organised the grand parade celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Liberation of the South and National Reunification, and participated in the parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Great Patriotic War in Russia. It is actively preparing for upcoming celebrations of the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution and the National Day.

The entire force has effectively implemented Party building measures, promptly consolidated Party organisations, successfully directed Party congresses at all levels, and prepared for the 12th Army Party Congress on the threshold of the 14th National Party Congress.

Besides, the army has also made significant contributions to social policies, mobilising over 2.54 trillion VND (97 million USD) for community activities, supporting 595 Heroic Vietnamese Mothers, building nearly 17,700 houses for the disadvantaged, and eliminating substandard houses for the poor./.