Vietnamese President Nguyen Minh Triet called on his people to protect the country’s seas, islands and border areas in his speech at the June 4th opening ceremony of the 2010 Vietnam Sea and Island Festival in Quang Binh Province.

Addressing the attendees of the opening ceremony, the President recalled Vietnam’s close connection with the sea since thousands of years ago.

The President emphasised, “This land has 4,000 years of history. Our ancestors laboured and even sacrificed their lives to build, protect and develop this country. On this occasion, we should express our respect and gratitude to them.” He went on to urge, “We must join hands to safeguard the country’s seas and islands, and we must exploit our marine resources in a proper manner to assist the people.”

The State leader directed ministries and relevant agencies to raise public awareness about their roles, as well as strengthen the management and preservation of the seas and islands. He further underscored the necessity of utilising beneficial marine resources to their full extent in service of the country and the lives of the people.

President Nguyen Minh Triet delivers his speech at the festival’s opening ceremony

A dance performance of the Quang Binh Artistic Group greets Festival-goers

Trong Tan performs several songs about the sea

Modeling of ao dais

Performance on Mother Suot, a Quang Binh heroine of the resistance war against America

A fireworks display closes the ceremony