(Dan Tri) – International media agencies have boldly reported on the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory on May 7.
Military parade commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Dien Bien Phu victory (Photo: Manh Quan).
In an article titled `Vietnam celebrates the 70th anniversary of the historic Dien Bien Phu victory`, Reuters news agency (UK) reported that veterans, senior leaders and diplomats gathered at Dien Bien Phu.
`The historic Battle of Dien Bien Phu is considered one of the great battles of the 20th century. France’s defeat led to the signing of the Geneva Agreement in 1954,` Reuters commented.
According to Reuters, `Undeterred by the persistent rain, tens of thousands of people crowded into Dien Bien Phu’s main stadium to watch military parades and cultural shows, as well as listen to songs.
Reuters quoted Mr. Carl Thayer, an expert on Vietnam, as saying: `The lesson from the Dien Bien Phu campaign is that Vietnam must clearly identify national interests and pursue these interests strategically.`
`Vietnam has systematized this approach with a policy of `bamboo diplomacy`, resolute and steadfast on basic principles, but flexible in ways and means to achieve strategic goals
AFP news agency (France) also published an article about the historic Dien Bien Phu victory anniversary.
AFP reviews important milestones, as well as historical events, and describes the atmosphere at the celebration.
`The tree-lined streets of Dien Bien Phu are decorated with slogans and banners bearing the images of independence struggle hero Ho Chi Minh and General Vo Nguyen Giap, General Commander of the Dien Bien Phu campaign.`
Mr. Jean-Yves Guinard, 92 years old, one of three French veterans returning to Dien Bien Phu for the celebration, told AFP that he is `still very attached` to Vietnam.
AFP also quoted soldier Ha Thi Duong sharing: `The past is over. We no longer think about conflict or hatred. Shaking hands is a good thing because we all want to make more friends and less enemies.`
In an article titled `Vietnam celebrates 70 years of Dien Bien Phu victory that ended French colonial rule`, AP news agency reported thousands of local people and veterans with medals hanging on their heads.
AP quoted Mr. Nguyen Trung Dung, 94 years old, one of the veterans, as saying that this event was an opportunity for him to meet his comrades, those who stood by his side in the battle of Dien Bien Phu.
According to AP, French Defense Minister Sebastian Lecornu attended the event, marking the first time a high-ranking French official visited the old battlefield and attended the commemoration ceremony in Dien Bien Phu.
AP said that as time passes, the relationship between Vietnam and France is also increasingly developing.
`When we fought, we were enemies. But now, we shake hands with them. Together we unite to build a world of peace, happiness, without war,` Mr. Pham Duc
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