Two Kilo-class submarines put into service

PM Nguyen Tan Dung delivers remarks at the flag-raising ceremony to mark the official entry into service of submarines HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City and HQ-182 Ha Noi - Photo: VGP

Participants to the event included Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, and Director of the General Department of Politics Senior Lieutenant General Ngo Xuan Lich.

The event is of special importance as it marked the new development of the Viet Nam People’s Navy in particular and the Viet Nam People’s Army in general, PM Dung said.

He called on the whole Party, people and army to join hands in developing the country and protecting the national independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

The HQ-182 Ha Noi submarine - Photo: VGP

As the country has suffered from so much pain and losses due to wars, we are thirsty for peace for national construction and improvement of people’s living standard, he said.

However, peace cannot be achieved with just desire. We must be strong in all aspects, including politics, economy, culture, national defense and security, diplomacy, national solidarity and only by that can we firmly maintain and protect the Fatherland’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

HQ-183 Ho Chi Minh City submarine,  the second of six Kilo-class submarines Viet Nam has contracted to buy from Russia - Photo: VGP

Accordingly, the whole Party, people and army need to fully grasp and effectively realize the guidelines and resolutions of the Party, pursue fast and sustainable socio-economic development, focus on strengthening the capacity of the people’s army and people’s police, especially the navy and air forces.

PM Dung reaffirmed that Viet Nam’s defense policy is that of peace and self-defense. Viet Nam’s army modernization is only for self-defense and safeguard of its legitimate interests. It does not, in any way target any other country.

On the same day, Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung also visits the 189 Submarine Brigade in Cam Ranh military port - Photo: VGP

PM took the occasion to extend sincere thanks to international friends, especially Russian President Vladimir Putin, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev, the Russian Government and Ministry of Defense, and Russian friends for their valuable support for Viet Nam to modernize its army./.

By Hai Minh