Joining hands to build a new era in An Giang - Last article: Maintaining the border, expanding the vision of cooperation

After the merger, An Giang holds a special position in terms of geopolitics and geo-economics, having more than 148km of border with Cambodia and possessing a long coastline and many outpost islands. This is a great advantage that comes with a great responsibility. The draft Political Report of the Provincial Party Congress for the 2025-2030 term affirms: "Firmly protecting sovereignty, border security, sea and islands must go hand in hand with expanding international cooperation and integration so that An Giang can both secure its borders and reach the world."

Officers and soldiers of the Ha Tien International Border Gate Border Guard Station patrol to protect the border. Photo: DANH THANH

A strong border from the people's hearts

The draft Political Report clearly states: “Closely combine socio-economic development with strengthening national defense and security; build a comprehensively strong provincial and regional defense zone; firmly protect national border sovereignty; maintain political security, order and social safety”. On the border, the province continues to strengthen the system of border posts and stations, improve patrol and control capacity; closely link national defense and security tasks with economic development, and improve the lives of people in border areas.

Over the years, from Ha Tien, Tinh Bien, An Phu to Tri Ton, border patrol routes have been both the "blood vessels" of national defense and a route for livelihood and trade. Border guards have implemented many models to help people escape poverty, such as supporting trees and seedlings, providing production guidance, and opening literacy classes for children. The programs "Helping children go to school" and "Adopted children of border guards" have become a spiritual support, sowing confidence and aspirations for the young generation.

The movement of the entire people participating in protecting territorial sovereignty and border security is maintained, with the participation of hamlet chiefs, prestigious people in the community, women's union members, union members, and youth. This is the "people's heart" that Uncle Ho once advised: "It is a hundred times easier to endure without the people, and a thousand times harder to overcome with the people." When the people's heart is in agreement, the border is not only protected by barbed wire fences but also by the solidarity and sense of responsibility of the community.

The draft Political Report also identifies the task of developing border economic zones such as Tinh Bien, Vinh Xuong, Khanh Binh in association with trade, service and logistics infrastructure, effectively exploiting border trade, connecting domestic and international markets. When the lives of people in border areas are improved, markets are bustling, goods are traded, security and order will be more stable.

Expanding international cooperation

After the merger, An Giang has a long coastline, a large exclusive economic zone, and many outpost islands, of which Phu Quoc is a national-scale tourism and marine economic center. This is a favorable condition for the province to strongly develop the marine economy and expand international cooperation. The draft Political Report clearly states: "Developing the marine economy is associated with firmly protecting the sovereignty of the sea and islands; effectively exploiting seaport services, sea and island tourism, sustainable aquaculture and exploitation; promoting investment attraction, applying science and technology, and increasing the added value of marine products". At the same time, the province focuses on building port clusters connecting Phu Quoc - Ha Tien - Rach Gia into international transit points for goods, services and tourism.

Regarding foreign affairs, the draft Political Report emphasizes: “Strengthening comprehensive cooperation with localities bordering Cambodia; proactively and actively participating in people-to-people foreign affairs activities; promoting cultural, trade and tourism exchanges; and performing well the work of protecting citizens”. In fact, in recent years, the province has regularly maintained twinning activities with Kandal and Takeo provinces (Kingdom of Cambodia), from cultural and sports exchanges, border trade fairs, to coordinated patrols to ensure border security.

In the coastal area, the province is gradually expanding cooperation with international partners in tourism, fishery logistics services and sustainable seafood exploitation. Phu Quoc, Rach Gia and Ha Tien are oriented to become the "gateway" for An Giang products from rice, fish to handicrafts to reach the world; at the same time, it is a destination to welcome international tourists, promoting the image of the river, border, sea and island regions.

The spirit of solidarity and friendship has become the guiding principle for An Giang in international cooperation. Integration is not only for economic development, but also to consolidate peace, stability and build the image of a dynamic and friendly An Giang.

In short, maintaining the border and expanding international cooperation are two sides of a development strategy. A strong border is the foundation for safe integration; deep integration increases the potential to protect sovereignty. When the Party's will is closely linked to the people's heart, when every citizen in the province is both proud and responsible for every inch of land and sea of ​​the homeland, the path to a prosperous, safe, and integrated An Giang will be more open.

VIET TIEN

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/chung-suc-dung-xay-an-giang-ky-nguyen-moi-bai-cuoi-giu-vung-bien-cuong-mo-rong-tam-nhin-hop-tac-a461751.html