HANOI, Jan. 10 (Xinhua) -- The Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee voted deputy president Huynh Dam as the VFF's new president on Jan. 9, replacing former president Pham The Duyet who earlier submitted his resignation, local newspaper Vietnam News reported Thursday.

    "With new responsibility, I will try my best to continue enhancing the solidarity among Vietnamese patriots, including overseas Vietnamese, to bring into full play the nation's power in developing and protecting the country," the new 60-year-old president said at the committee's fifth meeting ending on Jan. 9.

    Born in southernmost Ca Mau province, Dam has bachelor's degrees in law and economics, and had been the committee's deputy president and general secretary since 2002.

    His previous positions include Ho Chi Minh City People's Council chairman, Ho Chi Minh City Party Committee deputy secretary, and Vietnam Youth Association vice chairman and general secretary.

    Former president Pham The Duyet, 72, earlier resigned due to old age before completing his term, which began in 2004 and was set to end next year.

    The VFF Central Committee also voted Vu Trong Kim, vice chairman of the Mass Mobilization Commission under the Communist Party of Vietnam Central Committee, as the new VFF deputy president.