At the meeting, To Lam expressed deep respect and appreciation for the remarkable contributions and heroic achievements of generals and Heroes of the People’s Armed Forces in the past struggle for national liberation and reunification, as well as in the current process of national construction and defence.

He affirmed that those who participated in the Ho Chi Minh Campaign, that later culminated in the liberation of the South and national reunification, represent a heroic generation of a heroic nation admired and honoured globally. Regardless of their positions, they have always demonstrated revolutionary bravery, intelligence, dedication, and selfless sacrifice for the Party and the people.

The Party General Secretary also highlighted Vietnam’s achievements over the past 50 years since the liberation of the South and national reunification, and 39 years of the Đổi Mới (Renovation) process. He particularly emphasised the progress made since the 10th Plenum of the Party Central Committee in September 2024, thanks to the unified, determined leadership of the Party Central Committee, Politburo, and Secretariat, with all efforts focused on the common goals of the Party, the nation, and the people.

He noted that with great aspirations, far-reaching vision, innovative thinking, and a practical approach, the Party Central Committee has introduced many strategic, breakthrough policies, laying a solid foundation for national development in the new era, aiming to maintain national stability, promote socio-economic growth, and improve people’s lives.

One of the key breakthroughs, he said, is the restructuring of the political system’s organisational apparatus to make it more streamlined, efficient, and effective.

The Party leader also provided updates on the preparations for Party congresses at all levels, leading up to the 14th National Party Congress, scheduled for the first quarter of 2026. This Congress is expected to mark the beginning of a new era of strong national advancement toward a prosperous and powerful Vietnam.

In terms of national defence and security, he affirmed that the military and public security forces have excellently fulfilled their duties in safeguarding national independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and strategic interests. These forces have been built into revolutionary, regular, elite, gradually modernized units with strong political will, forming the core in proactively protecting the country “from afar, from early on,” and effectively addressing any situations to avoid passivity or surprise, thus maintaining peace and stability for development.

The armed forces have also played a significant role in socio-economic development by assisting people in poverty reduction, building new rural areas, and responding to natural disasters and emergencies. Notably, during the COVID-19 pandemic and Typhoon Yagi, hundreds of thousands of officers, soldiers, militias, and police officers overcame hardships and dangers to rescue lives and properties, support production recovery, and stabilise people’s lives.

Their efforts earned deep appreciation from the Party, State, local authorities, and citizens, shining as symbols of the noble spirit of the Vietnamese soldiers and modern-day people’s police officers.

In international missions such as UN peacekeeping, disaster relief in Turkey and Myanmar, and other key national defence and security diplomatic activities, Vietnamese military and police officers have left a positive impression on the international community, contributing to enhancing the image, position, and prestige of Vietnam’s armed forces and the country on the global stage.

At the meeting, the Party general Secretary outlined key strategic directions for Vietnam’s development in the coming period, including renewing the Party leadership, building a socialist rule-of-law State, streamlining the political system, promoting science, innovation, and digital transformation, and stepping up anti-waste and anti-corruption campaigns. Other directions are developing a competent cadre force and sticking to bold economic development goals.

This demands comprehensive solutions, strong political will, and the full mobilization of resources from citizens, businesses, and society, he said, adding it also requires fully embracing the private sector as a key driver of growth by removing biases and fears that private development will divert Vietnam from its socialist orientation.

He also reminded that economic growth must also be closely tied to improving social welfare and raising people’s living standards.

Party leader To Lam urges annual health check-ups for all citizens

VOV.VN - Party General Secretary To Lam has emphasised that improving people’s lives is one of the key tasks in Vietnam’s development strategy, and in the coming years the country will strive to provide annual health check-ups for all citizens.