The June 2010 issue of Tassovets, a newspaper of Russia ’s news agency Itar-Tass, ran an article applauding Vietnam ’s reform achievements by well-known Vietnam researcher Sergei Afonin.
Afonin, who is also a journalist, wrote the article after his recent visit to the country on the occasion of the 120 th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19).
Having spent many years in Vietnam as a reporter both during the war time and after peace was re-established, Afonin said he was amazed at the great changes in all aspects of the country, when returning for the first time after 23 years.
“ Vietnam has made great breakthroughs in terms of both foreign affairs relations as well as domestic socio-economic development,” he said.
The Russian reporter said Hanoi has changed beyond recognition, particularly when construction work is being accelerated in the city to prepare for its 1,000 th birth anniversary.
In the article, Afonin described his visits to new urban sites and new roads in Hanoi and they have given him the feeling that Vietnam has grown into a more civilised, prosperous and democratic nation. He also visited Ha Nam , Thanh Hoa and Nghe An – Ho Chi Minh’s province of birth.
In every place in Vietnam that he visited, he saw encouraging changes, Afonin said.
Afonin said he had the honour to meet President Ho three times. Together with author Evgheny Kobelev, he published two books about the late Vietnamese President, one of which entitled “Impressions of Ho Chi Minh among Russians” was launched on President Ho’s 120 th birth anniversary./.
Afonin, who is also a journalist, wrote the article after his recent visit to the country on the occasion of the 120 th birth anniversary of President Ho Chi Minh (May 19).
Having spent many years in Vietnam as a reporter both during the war time and after peace was re-established, Afonin said he was amazed at the great changes in all aspects of the country, when returning for the first time after 23 years.
“ Vietnam has made great breakthroughs in terms of both foreign affairs relations as well as domestic socio-economic development,” he said.
The Russian reporter said Hanoi has changed beyond recognition, particularly when construction work is being accelerated in the city to prepare for its 1,000 th birth anniversary.
In the article, Afonin described his visits to new urban sites and new roads in Hanoi and they have given him the feeling that Vietnam has grown into a more civilised, prosperous and democratic nation. He also visited Ha Nam , Thanh Hoa and Nghe An – Ho Chi Minh’s province of birth.
In every place in Vietnam that he visited, he saw encouraging changes, Afonin said.
Afonin said he had the honour to meet President Ho three times. Together with author Evgheny Kobelev, he published two books about the late Vietnamese President, one of which entitled “Impressions of Ho Chi Minh among Russians” was launched on President Ho’s 120 th birth anniversary./.
