The State leader made the statement in Hanoi on June 19 while receiving 43 commune chiefs and elderly people from central Quang Tri province’s Van Kieu and Pa Co ethnic minority groups.

Their trip to Hanoi was sponsored by the Quang Tri administration to mark the 62^nd anniversary of the Van Kieu and Pa Co communities’ decision decided to change their family names into Ho during celebrations of President Ho Chi Minh’s   birthday on May 19, 1946.

It also marked the 40^th anniversary of the Khe Sanh battle leading to the liberation of Huong Hoa district on July 9, 1968.

President Triet said history has recognised people of ethnic minorities, including the Van Kieu and Pa Co, as faithful children of the motherland who sacrificed their lives in the struggle for national salvation.

He said he was happy to see gradual improvement in the living standards of ethnic minorities after 20 years of renewal.

“The Party and State are making great efforts to further improve the living conditions of ethnic minority people, first of all to eliminate hunger, while providing better healthcare and education services,” Mr Triet said.

He encouraged ethnic minorities to strengthen their confidence in the Party, promote unity, boost production, and take care of younger generations.