President To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh directed the meeting; Defense Minister General Phan Van Giang moderated the meeting. Photo: People's Army Newspaper

In his address sent to the meeting, General Secretary Trong urged the Central Military Commission to focus on “five determinations” and “five initiatives”.

The five determinations are determination to accomplish the goals, tasks and solutions set out by the 13th National Party Congress' Resolution and the 11th Army Party Congress. Second is the determination to lead and direct the best combat readiness and training work. Third is the determination to lead and direct the improvement of the organization and staff of the Army. The fourth determination is to build a strong team of Army officers to meet mission requirements in the new situation. Fifth is the determination to well organize activities towards the 80th anniversary of the Vietnam People's Army and the 35th anniversary of the National Defense Festival.

The five initiatives are to proactively advise, propose, and handle situations; proactively protect the sovereignty of borders, seas, islands and the unity and territorial integrity of the Fatherland; proactively prepare for the 12th Army Party Congress in anticipation of the 14th National Party Congress; proactively direct the effective fulfillment of assigned political tasks; and take proactive measures to build a truly clean and strong Army Party Committee.

At the meeting, President To Lam emphasized what the Central Military Commission and the National Defense Ministry must do, in particular, strengthening national defense stature, building all-people national defense coupled with people's security, and firmly protecting national sovereignty, territory, and marine economic development activities.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh requested the Central Military Commission to continue to be proactive, properly forecast and assess the situation, and advise the Party and State on military and defense policies to meet the task of protecting the Fatherland both in the immediate and long term.