(VOVworld) – The High Command of the Vietnam Marine Police held a ceremony in Hanoi on Friday to receive the title "Hero of the People's Armed Forces” and celebrate its 17th founding anniversary on August 28.

At the awarding ceremony (Photo: VNA)

Addressing the event, President Truong Tan Sang said that in the coming years, the regional and global situation will remain complicated, making the protection of national sovereignty, security, social order, and sea and island environment a heavy responsibility for the Party, the people, and the army, including the Vietnam Marine Police.

Mr. Sang called on “the Marine Police force to increase its awareness of its duties and the Party and State’s stance on defending Vietnam’s sea and islands sovereignty and settling maritime disputes. It’s essential to maintain a peaceful environment and stability in territorial waters, and islands while enhancing friendship and solidarity with regional nations. The Marine Forces should be well aware of the importance of Vietnam’s sea and islands and the sacred value of its territorial waters.”

President Truong Tan Sang urged the Marine Police to increase cooperation with other forces, advise the Party and government in dealing with maritime disputes, and perfect legal documents towards creating a legal foundation for Vietnam’s Marine Police operations during international integration.

Mr. Sang particularly underlined a project to develop the Marine Police force by 2020 which will focus on training.