Top leader chairs first meeting of National Defence - Security Council in 2026-2031 term

Policies in Action

Top leader chairs first meeting of National Defence - Security Council in 2026-2031 term
The meeting marked an important starting point as the country accelerates the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and consolidates the state apparatus for a new development phase, with higher requirements for political stability, national defence, security, and safeguarding national sovereignty.
Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Chairman of the Council for National Defence and Security in the 2026–2031 tenure, addresses the first meeting of the council in Hanoi on April 28. (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) – Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Chairman of the Council for National Defence and Security in the 2026–2031 tenure, chaired the first meeting of the council in Hanoi on April 28 following the National Assembly’s approval of its new members.

The meeting marked an important starting point as the country accelerates the implementation of the Resolution of the 14th National Party Congress and consolidates the state apparatus for a new development phase, with higher requirements for political stability, national defence, security, and safeguarding national sovereignty.

Participants reviewed and discussed three key items, including a report evaluating the implementation of the council’s working regulations in the 2021-2026 term and orientations for the new term; a draft of revised working regulations for the 2026–2031 tenure; and a draft overall programme for the council’s activities in the tenure.

The meeting reaffirmed that the council is a special constitutional institution tasked with deliberating and deciding on critical issues related to national defence, security, and the protection of the Fatherland. Amid increasingly complex and unpredictable global and regional dynamics, intensifying strategic competition among major powers, and intertwined traditional and non-traditional security challenges, the council was urged to enhance early analysis, forecasting, and preparedness to avoid strategic surprises.

Discussions also offered a comprehensive and candid assessment of the council’s performance in the previous term, highlighting achievements while pointing out limitations in coordination mechanisms, information-sharing, reporting regimes, content preparation, and the quality of strategic analysis and inter-sectoral advisory work. Based on this, orientations for the 2026–2031 period were shaped to ensure more practical and effective operations in line with constitutional and legal mandates.

Regarding the new working regulations, the council stressed the need for clear principles, responsibilities, authority, coordination mechanisms, and working procedures, alongside flexibility and responsiveness to emerging issues. The proposed full-term programme was designed to focus on strategic priorities, ensuring both comprehensive coverage and clear focal points to strengthen the council’s role in strategic orientation and forecasting.

The inaugural meeting concluded with success, laying a solid foundation for the council’s operations throughout the term and contributing to more effective leadership and direction in handling strategic issues in defence, security, and foreign affairs, thereby firmly safeguarding the Fatherland in the new context./.

See Also

Digital innovation brings Vietnam’s heritage to life

A national scheme on digital transformation in the cultural sector through 2030, with a vision to 2045, issued recently, is expected to serve as a key driver for cultural institutions, particularly museums and art schools, to rethink how they engage with the public.

Vietnam promotes practical disarmament measures

Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Vietnam’s Permanent Representative to the United Nations, has highlighted the need to advance practical disarmament measures, enhance transparency, build trust and reduce nuclear risks.

Can Tho seeks to deepen cooperation with Korean businesses

At a working session with a delegation from the Vietnam–Korea Business and Investment Association (VKBIA) led by its Chairman Tran Hai Linh on April 25, Nam praised the association’s role as a vital bridge linking the city with Korean partners. He reaffirmed the city’s readiness to facilitate VKBIA member enterprises in exploring and expanding investment.

Ho Chi Minh City embraces green consumption trend

Since early 2026, many supermarket chains in Ho Chi Minh City have begun charging for biodegradable plastic bags to encourage shoppers to bring their own bags and use reusable alternatives, helping reduce plastic waste. Although the shift initially caused some inconvenience, consumers are gradually embracing the change, adjusting both awareness and behavior in support of environmental protection.

Businesses step up energy saving and transition efforts

Amid volatile global fuel prices, energy efficiency is emerging as a key solution for businesses to cut costs, enhance competitiveness and contribute to national energy security. In response, enterprises are upgrading technologies and optimizing production processes, making energy saving a core strategy to strengthen their edge.

Da Nang advances marine economy as pillar of sustainable growth strategy

Identifying the marine economy as a strategic pillar, Da Nang is accelerating its development in tandem with logistics, maritime services and industry, aiming to become an internationally scaled coastal megacity. The city is positioning itself as a growth engine for the Central – Central Highlands region and a key gateway linking Vietnam with the Asia–Pacific.