President Truong Tan Sang has underlined the importance of political work in building a strong military on the occasion of the 70^th anniversary of the General Department of Politics under the Viet Nam People’s Army (VPA).

Addressing a ceremony held by the department in Ha Noi on December 13, the President praised the great achievements and efforts made by the department, which he said helped maintain the Party’s absolute and direct leadership over the VPA and strengthen the armed forces in all aspects, from politics, ideology to organisation.

On the occasion, President Sang presented the Ho Chi Minh Order, the noblest honour of the Party and State, to the department in recognition of its significant dedication.

Senior Lieutenant General Ngo Xuan Lich, Chief of the department said the development of the General Department of Politics has always closely associated with the building, growing-up and achievements of the VPA over the last 70 years.

The department has fulfilled its role as an advisory agency on party building and political work for the VPA, he said, adding that political work is the spirit and the line of life of the army, which is the Party’s essential principle in building the armed force.