(VOVworld) – President Truong Tan Sang called on the Party Committee and armed forces of the 9^th Military Region to be fully aware of the viewpoints and military and defense directions of the Party.

President Truong Tan Sang delivers a speech at the ceremony. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

At a ceremony in Can Tho City on Thursday to mark the 70^th anniversary of the forces, President Sang underscored the importance of improving their fighting spirit.

He said: “it’s necessary to improve the military region’s forces in the direction of strengthening and modernizing its full-time and local military forces. Priority should be given to units who are stationed in border areas and on islands. It’s also essential to develop a strong militia and make it a powerful force in every strategic area.”

President Sang asked the region to implement military and defense external activities with Cambodia to develop a border of peace, friendship, cooperation, and development, to firmly protect national sovereignty and make the region grow.

President Truong Tan Sang hands over Vietnam’s first class military medal to leaders of the 9th Military Region force. (Photo: qdnd.vn)

On this occasion, the 9^th Military Region force was awarded Vietnam’s first class military medal.