(VOVworld)-President Truong Tan Sang has reiterated that the army is always the key force to defend the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity. President Sang made the remark during Wednesday’s working session with the Defence Ministry on future military and defence tasks. He said the army also plays a leading role in coping with natural disasters, promoting socio-economic development and reducing poverty, particularly in remote areas. The President stressed the need to maintain independence, sovereignty, a peaceful environment and stability for the nation means new requirements for national defence and security tasks. Mr. Sang urged the Defense Ministry to pursue the goal of combining national independence and socialism and to consider maintaining peace and stability for national development its top interest.