The signing ceremony took place at the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee headquarters on 15/12, with the participation of Thanh Hoa provincial leaders, Vietnam Coast Guard leaders, and representatives from departments, agencies, and 17 coastal communes and wards of the province.

This initiative represents a concrete step to strengthen public outreach in the new situation, linking the task of protecting maritime sovereignty with developing the marine economy and improving fishermen's livelihoods.

Nguyen Hoai Anh (right), Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, exchange coordination agreements. Photo: Lam Son

Nguyen Hoai Anh (right), Chairman of the Provincial People's Committee, and Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, exchange coordination agreements. Photo: Lam Son

Under the program, both sides will continue to promote the Party's guidelines and state laws, focusing on the Vietnam Coast Guard Law, the Law on Drug Prevention and Control, and regulations against illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing.

In addition, the two agencies will enhance coordination to build secure coastal areas, strengthen grassroots political systems, exchange information, and ensure political security and social order at sea and in coastal regions. Social welfare activities, poverty reduction, new rural development, and gratitude programs will also continue to be implemented to improve the material and spiritual lives of fishermen.

Speaking at the conference, Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, emphasized that the coordination program not only enhances the effectiveness of public outreach but also helps the coast guard fulfill its duty to protect sovereignty and maintain security and order in maritime zones. He urged Thanh Hoa province to direct coastal agencies and localities to proactively develop specific, practical plans for the program to deepen its impact and yield tangible results.

Nguyen Doan Anh, Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, affirmed that the province's socioeconomic development results over recent years have seen significant contributions from forces operating at sea, including the Vietnam Coast Guard. He praised the coordination among functional forces in managing fishing vessels, preventing legal violations, and ensuring the safety of fishermen.

Nguyen Doan Anh, Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, speaks at the conference. Photo: Lam Son

Nguyen Doan Anh, Secretary of the Thanh Hoa Provincial Party Committee, speaks at the conference. Photo: Lam Son

Previously, the two sides signed a cooperation agreement to implement the "Coast Guard accompanies fishermen program" in Thanh Hoa for the 2023–2025 period. Over the past three years, the Coast Guard organized numerous visits and presented 730 gifts to policy families, disadvantaged fishermen, and diligent students in coastal localities. Many legal awareness campaigns were organized for over 1,000 officials and residents; nearly 2,500 leaflets and 1,000 legal handbooks were distributed, along with thousands of national flags and life jackets, contributing to increased legal awareness and compliance while operating at sea.

These activities have strengthened the solidarity between the military and the people, fostered patriotism, raised awareness of protecting maritime sovereignty and security, and built a strong "people's heart" posture at sea.

Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, speaks at the signing ceremony. Photo: Lam Son

Lieutenant General Bui Quoc Oai, Political Commissar of the Vietnam Coast Guard, speaks at the signing ceremony. Photo: Lam Son

Thanh Hoa provincial leaders assess that the local marine economic development is closely linked to protecting sovereignty and ensuring national defense and security, with fishermen at the core as the direct force participating in safeguarding maritime zones. The province will continue to enhance coordination among forces, innovate legal awareness campaigns, and pay more attention to social welfare policies to provide a solid foundation for fishermen to confidently stay at sea long-term.

"In the coming time, Thanh Hoa will continue to act decisively and systematically, so that each vessel heading out to sea carries not only the livelihoods of fishermen but also the trust, responsibility, and sacred sovereignty of the nation", said Nguyen Doan Anh.

Le Hoang