The Ho Chi Minh Order was presented to former President Luong Cuong, former Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, former Chairman of the Central Commission for Internal Affairs Phan Dinh Trac, former Standing Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Hoa Binh, and former Secretary of the Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee Nguyen Van Nen.

Party and State leaders also presented first- and second-class Independence Orders to former members of the Party Central Committee who had made excellent achievements during their careers.

Looking back over the past 81 years, particularly the 40 years of Doi Moi, Viet Nam has risen to become a developing and upper-middle-income country with deep and extensive international integration, said General Secretary and President To Lam, adding that national defense and security have been strengthened, while its international stature has continued to grow.

The nation's achievements have benefited greatly from the contributions of generations of current and former Party and State leaders, he noted.

The top Vietnamese leader expressed his hope that former Party and State leaders would continue to accompany the country, contribute their dedication and wisdom, strengthen solidarity, and pass on their courage, experience and leadership culture to future generations of cadres./.