VOV: Could you give some outlines of national defence work in 2010?

General Vinh: The Vietnam People’s Army (VPA) has made great achievements, contributing to the cause of national construction and defence. The army has provided the Party and State with consultancy advice on National defence and military issues to help build the all-people national defence system and promote the process of socio-economic development. National defence is not just the army’s duty.

The VPA has proved successful in building a strong army, both politically and ideologically, that is ready for combat in all circumstances. While the country is building a market economy, all soldiers, especially young ones are always loyal to the nation and ready to overcome every difficulty and hardship and fulfill their duty.

VOV: What do you think about the potential for cooperation between Vietnam and its partners in maintaining regional and global peace and stability?

General Vinh: Although peace and stability is still a common trend of development in the region and the world, there remain huge challenges, both traditional and non-traditional, to the world’s security. These challenges are now increasingly of international magnitude that a specific country can respond to or fight off.

Moreover, national defence and security issues must be handled peacefully through dialogue. In the past, Vietnam used to cooperate in national defence with socialist and a number of neighbouring countries. Now we follow the Party’s open policy by cooperating with many countries over the world.

Regarding multilateral cooperation, Vietnam has taken the initiative to participate in regional and international forums such as the ASEAN Defence Ministers’ Meeting (ADMM) and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF). We also successfully organized the first ADMM+ in Hanoi, in which a new security structure was formed for cooperation, peace and development in the region and the world in general.

Vietnam’s policy to develop multilateral cooperation is aimed at defending its national sovereignty.

VOV: In the draft documents for the 11^th National Congress, the Party identifies the duty to defend national sovereignty and territory, especially off-shore waters and islands in the East Sea. What is the key to fulfilling this duty?

General Vinh: The emerging East Sea-related issues are now of crucial importance to Vietnam. The first thing we should do is to reaffirm our legitimate sovereignty not only in the East Sea but also in other areas. We should continue building the all-people national defence system and a strong army to defend national sovereignty.

VOV: Thank you very much!