President Nguyen Xuan Phuc speaks at the event (Photo: VNA)He made the statement at a meeting with the Vietnam Martyrs' Family Support Association (VMFSA) and the Vietnam Association for Victims of Agent Orange (VAVA) on the occasion 74th War Invalids and Martyrs Day (July 27) and the 60th anniversary of the AO/dioxin disaster in Vietnam.

The President lauded the two associations for their practical activities, helping to materialise guidelines and policies of the Party and the State towards families of war invalids and martyrs, and AO victims.

In the context of the COVID-19 pandemic, the associations should continue to coordinate with competent ministries and agencies in caring for them, he said, adding that Vietnam counts more than 560,000 families of martyrs.

Since its inception in 2004, the VAVA has expanded its network to 63 cities and provinces, with over 4,000 members. It has played an active role in campaigns asking for the settlement of consequences of the toxic chemical sprayed by US troops during the war in Vietnam.

Established more than 10 years ago, the VMFSA has nearly 100 branches gathering nearly 10,000 members. The association has advised and coordinated with the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs to recognise hundreds of martyrs./. VNA