Top leader visits frontline island in Quảng Trị

Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm talking with local people in Cồn Cỏ Island, Quảng Trị Province as part of his visit on Wednesday. — VNA/VNS Photo Lâm Khánh

QUẢNG TRỊ — Party General Secretary and State President Tô Lâm visited officials, soldiers and islanders in Cồn Cỏ island district of the central province of Quảng Trị on Wednesday.

Established in October 2004, the island district, the only of its kind in the six north-central localities, is 13 nautical miles from the mainland, with an area of 230ha, 60 per cent of which is natural forest. It has a particularly important position in national defence and security, serving as the southern gateway to the Gulf of Tonkin, and an international aviation and maritime gateway.

The district’s planning has been updated to the master plan of Quảng Trị, which was approved by the Prime Minister for the 2021-30 period with a vision to 2050, serving as a foundation for the locality’s socio-economic development and security-defence.

Tourism is defined as the spearhead industry of Cồn Cỏ, accounting for over 70 per cent of the district's economic structure.

Showing his impression at the rare natural beauty of the frontline island, General Secretary and President Lâm highlighted the significant role of the island in the country’s strategy on seas and islands.

The leader highly valued the important contributions by officials, soldiers and residents of Cồn Cỏ in the Fatherland construction and protection as well as preservation of the island’s biodiversity.

He noted that the resolution of the 12th Party Central Committee’s eighth plenary on the strategy for sustainable development of Việt Nam's maritime economy until 2030 with a vision to 2045 set a target of turning Việt Nam into a strong maritime nation characterised by sustainable development, prosperity, security, and safety, and making sure that sustainable development is associated with ensuring national defence and security, maintaining independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity.

To meet this requirement, the leader asked Cồn Cỏ to continue to reinforce its security and defence with close link with other islands, and promote socio-economic development at the same time.

He stressed the need for authorities to care for the material and spiritual life of soldiers and locals, providing them with good education and health care services together with good power, clean water and telecommunications service supply. At the same time, it is necessary to optimise the island’s offshore wind power potential and advantages in tourism, he said.

Lâm pointed to the need to continue to complete the infrastructure system in the island, protecting its biodiversity and attracting more teachers and doctors to the island to reside. He reminded the district to promote tourism development in a sustainable and plastic waste-free manner.

He expressed his hope that the administration and people of Cồn Cỏ will continue to reinforce their solidarity and close connections.

In an earlier conversation with the locals, the leader showed his delight that the island is becoming more populous and has a complete system of schools and medical station.

He advised islanders to not only focus on aquatic farming and fishing but also promoting forestry and tourism. He called on businesses and investors to invest in tourism development in the island.

On the occasion, the leader and his entourage offered incense and flowers to President Hồ Chí Minh at the memorial house dedicated to the late leader and heroic martyrs at their monument in the island.

He presented gifts to local families and a number of medical equipment to the island district's authorities. — VNS