This statement was made by President Truong Tan Sang at a working session with its command on June 3. 

The President praised efforts made by its armed forces in boosting socio-economic development in the northern provinces of Lai Chau, Dien Bien, Son La, Lao Cai, Yen Bai, Ha Giang, Tuyen Quang, Phu Tho and Vinh Phuc.

He also hailed their help for local people in fighting natural disaster, flood, and building socio-economic areas in the border region.

Military Zone 2 has a population of more than seven million of 34 ethnic groups, and shares a borderline of 1,375 km with China and Laos.

The officers and soldiers should work closely with local authorities to improve the living conditions of local people, maintain political stability and social order, defend sovereignty and territorial integrity, prevent all sabotage schemes of hostile forces timely, and build a borderline of peace and friendship, the President said.