Lieutenant General Vo Trong Viet, political commissar of the Command of the Border Guard Force, gave an insight into the close bonds between border guards and the public in an interview granted to VOV.

VOV: What have been the major achievements since this day was first observed 21 years ago?
Lieu. Gen. Viet: A mass movement on border defence and security has been created, bringing into full play the combined strength of the army and civilians living in border areas.

The key point is that border guards and local people have worked closely together to defend the national borders.

VOV: Could you brief us on activities carried out by the Command?
Lieu. Gen. Viet: The most successful initiative, I think, has been one in which people have been assigned to manage and defend border areas and markers themselves, as well as maintaining security in their place of residence. No one can defend borders more effectively than the local people. So the command has signed agreements with border localities to encourage the people to defend the national borders, markers, and forests.

VOV: What have you done to maintain political stability, develop the local economy and improve people’s lives as key factors in defending the national borders?
Lieu. Gen. Viet: The Government always pays special attention to people’s social security. An important task is to raise the people’s political conscience. To do this, it is border guards who disseminate Party guidelines and State policies to the people to help them distinguish between the good and the bad.

Border guards always care about the lives of local people and take part in building grassroots-level political organisations. Over the years, we have transferred farming techniques and delivered saplings and animal breeds to help the people reduce poverty.

Currently, 500 officers are working as Party Secretaries and Deputy Secretaries, and Chairmen of communal People’s Committees. They disseminate Party guidelines and State policies, encourage young people to join the Party and build strong Party organisations.