The conference, themed "The Điện Biên Phủ Victory and the construction and national defence of Việt Nam," was co-organised by the province, the Ministry of National Defense, the Party Central Committee's Commission for Publicity and Education, the Ministry of Public Security, and the Hồ Chí Minh National Academy of Politics.

In his welcoming address at the conference, Cường articulated the conference's purpose: to reaffirm and elucidate the strategic vision, leadership, and creative guidance of our Party, under the stewardship of President Hồ Chí Minh. He underscored the sharpness, ingenuity, and decisive strategic direction provided by the General Command, directly overseen by the General Staff and the Commander-in-Chief. Additionally, Cường highlighted the pivotal roles and significant contributions of the armed forces, the entire populace, especially the ethnic communities of the northwest, and the province of Điện Biên. He also emphasised the invaluable support and solidarity extended by international allies during Việt Nam's resistance against French colonialism.

Cường reflected on the wellspring of strength that propelled the Điện Biên Phủ Victory to global prominence, describing it as a "golden milestone" in the nation's quest for independence, reminiscent of the historic victories at Bạch Đằng and Chi Lăng in the

"During the resistance war against French colonialism, the Điện Biên Phủ Victory stood as one of the brightest peaks, a glorious miracle of the Hồ Chí Minh era," he stated.

It was a decisive blow, a historic turning point that altered the course of the conflict between us and the enemy, ultimately leading to the signing of the Geneva Accords. This agreement marked the end of the war and restored peace in Indochina, concluding the victorious nine-year resistance against French colonialism and American intervention. It effectively halted the invasion of French colonialists in our country and across the Indochinese peninsula, safeguarding and nurturing the revolutionary gains of August 1945.

The victory liberated half of the nation, establishing a firm foundation and favourable conditions for our people to progress towards achieving significant victories in the subsequent resistance war against America. It paved the way for the liberation of the South, the reunification of the country, and guided the entire nation towards the path of socialism.

The Điện Biên Phủ Victory stood as a beacon of pride for generations of Vietnamese and the international community striving for independence, freedom, equality, and compassion. "It was a significant historical event in the development process of humanity," he emphasised.

Under the steadfast leadership and guidance of the Party Central Committee, the Government, the General Staff, the General Command, and the northwest Regional Party Committee, the armed forces and people of the northwest ethnic groups, particularly those in Điện Biên Province, surmounted immense challenges. They dedicated their efforts and resources to participate wholeheartedly in the campaign.

Despite facing scarcity and deprivation, with areas lacking food and clothing, the local populace, upon learning of the Party and the army's mission to repel the invading French, displayed unwavering resolve. They willingly endured hardships and rallied to "suffer more, endure more," ensuring provisions for the army. This exemplified the spirit of "the entire nation going to battle."

During the Điện Biên Phủ Campaign, the people of Lai Châu province (now divided into Điện Biên and Lai Châu provinces) made significant contributions. They provided 2,666 tonnes of rice, 226 tonnes of meat, and 210 tonnes of vegetables. Additionally, they mobilised 16,972 laborers, who worked for a total of 568,139 days, along with 438 horses and thousands of wooden boats. Furthermore, they contributed 25,070 trees to combat flooding and construct roads for artillery and marching troops.

The soldiers and citizens of Lai Châu province were filled with excitement and pride upon receiving valuable rewards from the Party and Government. In recognition of their dedication, the province boasted 700 outstanding individuals, nine exemplary communes, and 38 model units honored by the Central Committee, the Northwest Regional Party Committee, and the provincial authorities for their exemplary contributions to the campaign.

In the past 70 years, under the attentive leadership of the Party Central Committee, the National Assembly, and the Government, and with unwavering support from central agencies, ministries, sectors, and localities, as well as international and domestic organizations and individuals, Điện Biên Province has steadfastly upheld the heroic tradition of Điện Biên Phủ.

The province has resolutely implemented socio-economic development tasks and solutions, effectively steering itself away from the status of an extremely impoverished province. Today, it stands as a shining example of progress, having achieved moderate development within the north central and northern mountainous regions.

"It has been 70 years since the Điện Biên Phủ Victory, yet its profound impact, described as 'Renowned across five continents, shaking the globe,' will forever stand as a shining milestone in the history and pride of the Vietnamese nation," he remarked. "It serves as a spiritual strength and a great source of encouragement for the entire nation."

During the conference, the provincial Party committee and administration eagerly anticipated hearing opinions from Party and State leaders, experts, and scientists to further affirm the historical significance of the Điện Biên Phủ Victory. They sought to summarise and analyse the lessons learned, with the aim of applying and promoting these historical lessons in the ongoing efforts to build and defend the country in the new era.