Vietnam in the hearts of friends

Vietnam today is a convergence of traditional values ​​and modern qualities… That is the common feeling of international friends when coming to us today.

Mr. Chen Ta Yu, Chief Representative of Tzu Chi organization in Vietnam (China/Taiwan):

People are Vietnam's most valuable asset.

Vietnam not only has beautiful nature but also intelligent, hard-working, peace- loving and studious people. The Vietnamese people are the most valuable asset, helping the country enter a new era full of opportunities and continue to be the center of international attention.

During my time with Vietnam, I have become more deeply aware of the tradition of loyalty and steadfastness that Vietnamese people have for international friends. It is a respect for the past, but also a continuation in the present: thoughtfulness, enthusiasm, and responsibility in every exchange and cooperation activity. These are the things that have created “Vietnamese affection” - a lasting value that makes us more attached and cherished.

Mr. Chen Ta Yu (left cover) gives Tet gifts to people in Tram Tau district, Yen Bai province (now Tram Tau commune, Lao Cai province) on January 13, 2020. (Photo: Tzu Chi).

Tzu Chi was founded on a philosophy of compassion: helping those in need. When we arrived in Vietnam, we found that the benevolent spirit of the people here blended naturally with Tzu Chi's philosophy. In addition to the Government's attention and facilitation, we also received active support from the People's Aid Coordination Committee (PACCOM - a unit of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations ) and the Committee for Foreign Non-Governmental Organization Affairs. This support not only helped Tzu Chi to smoothly carry out its charitable activities but also strengthened our belief and desire to be associated with Vietnam for a long time.

Mr. Radman Jesse Kivette, Chief Representative of VinaCapital Foundation (USA):

Vietnam contributes to our shift from charity to sustainable development

The first time I came to Vietnam in 2000, I had the opportunity to go to Bac Ha (Lao Cai) and met a young female doctor who had just graduated and volunteered to work at the district hospital. What touched me was that her motivation was not for herself, but to serve the poor people. That sowed in me deep emotions about Vietnam: a nation with people who live for the community, always putting the common good first. From that thought, I felt like I became more "Vietnamese" and from then on I was attached to this country throughout the long journey.

Mr. Radman Jesse Kivette and children supported by VinaCapital Foundation. (Photo: VCF)

Vietnam helped me shift from a purely charitable mindset to a deeper understanding of sustainable development - a more scientific, long-term and practical approach.

During my journey of more than 20 years, I have always received support from the Vietnamese Government, the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations (VUFO) and the People’s Aid Coordinating Committee (PACCOM). Even when international resources were limited, we always received support, moral encouragement and practical assistance from these agencies as well as from the local authorities where I had the opportunity to work.

Ms. Lu Jingru, former nurse at Nanxishan Hospital (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China):

Vietnam: Modern and optimistic

When we arrived in Vietnam to attend the 70th Anniversary of Dien Bien Phu Victory, right from the moment we landed at the airport, we were warmly welcomed by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations. Entering the city, I saw tall buildings next to each other, wide roads, and colorful flags. The development of Vietnam today further enhances the value of peace. This prosperity was built from the sacrifices and losses that I witnessed with my own eyes. I believe that Vietnam will develop more and more strongly, and the friendship between China and Vietnam will continue to be inherited and promoted by the younger generation through constant exchange and learning.

Ms. Lu Jingru, former nurse at Nanxishan Hospital (Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China). (Photo: Ding He).

I worked at Nam Khe Son Hospital when I was 17-18 years old. I directly participated in treating wounded and sick Vietnamese soldiers. There were soldiers who were the same age as us who went to war, some lost arms, some lost legs. But they always kept an optimistic spirit, finding joy in hardship. They gave the medical team more motivation to take care of them, because they felt that serving wounded and sick soldiers was also a way to support Vietnam's resistance war."

Timothée Rousselin (France):

Vietnamese people are kind and hospitable

I have lived in Vietnam for 6 years. From the first days I set foot on this land, what impressed me the most was the kindness and hospitality of the Vietnamese people. I was really surprised to realize that there are so many beautiful things here: poetic landscapes, rich culture, deep history, exquisite cuisine, and above all, lovely people.

In Vietnam, I clearly feel the importance of community. Family, homeland and people around are always the top priority.

Timothée Rousselin (France). (Photo: Provided by the character).

During my time here, there is one special day that always leaves a deep impression on me: April 30th. That day, to me, is not only a significant historical milestone of Vietnam, the day of national reunification, but also a powerful symbol of the desire for freedom, of the journey of healing, development and moving towards the future. What moves me is that the Vietnamese people do not live in hatred, but together remember the past with pride and gratitude. It is a message of peace and solidarity that many places should learn from.

Mr. Frank Howard Joyce, Head of the National Council on Aging:

Vietnam: Lessons of Peace

In the 1960s, when I was in my 20s, I became involved in the anti-war movement in Vietnam. Around 1966, I refused to be drafted into the army. I participated in many anti-war protests and activities throughout the 1960s and 1970s.

Mr. Frank Howard Joyce, Head of the National Council on Aging. (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

In April 1970, I was part of a peace delegation that traveled to Hanoi and its suburbs, meeting many Vietnamese and seeing firsthand the effects of the war. Part of the purpose of the trip was to return to the United States and tell the true story of the war, which the American media at the time had not accurately portrayed.

I still remember the days of April 1975, we rushed out into the streets to celebrate. We were proud of the Vietnamese people, and also proud of what we had participated in as anti-war and peace activists.

Exactly in April 2025, I was able to return to Vietnam. This was my 5th time back. And each time I returned, I was amazed by the strong development, resilience and vitality of Vietnam.

From very early on in my career, I always felt welcomed here as an American citizen. That feeling remains the same today. I see more and more American tourists coming to Vietnam. It is clear that they feel the same warm welcome. Experiencing the spirit of peace in Vietnam always moves me and invigorates me. Each time I return, I learn more valuable things from the Vietnamese people about peace and how to build peace.

Mr. Joel Schwartz - Trade union activist, member of the Reconciliation and Development Foundation (USA):

The spirit of the Vietnamese people inspires people around the world.

I started learning about Vietnam when I was 17. Since then, I have studied the history of the Vietnamese people's struggle and participated in the anti-war movement in Vietnam. Now, at 73 years old, the memories of that period are still fresh in my mind.

Mr. Joel Schwartz - Trade union activist, member of the Reconciliation and Development Foundation (USA): (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

The Vietnamese people’s resilient struggle is a source of deep inspiration to me. The Vietnamese people have shown the world that they can go through a resilient struggle and still maintain their good qualities. Because war, no matter which side is involved, can destroy people. However, the Vietnamese people do not forget the past, but they do not live in the past either. That is a great lesson indeed.

I now live in Staten Island, New York, where there is a Palestinian community that we support. They also find inspiration in Vietnam. For them, the spirit of the Vietnamese people is a powerful inspiration for the Palestinian struggle in Staten Island. Your struggle continues to inspire people all over the world. I believe it will continue in the future.

Ms. Myrna V. Pagán - Artist, human rights activist, member of the National Council on Aging:

Vietnam is young, modern and always moving forward.

The most impressive image when I arrived in Vietnam was the children on the street raising their hands to make a heart shape with us - while we were sitting on the bus. Their eyes and smiles were so pure. I saw in them a future full of hope, not only for Vietnam but also for the whole world.

Ms. Myrna V. Pagán (middle) - Artist, human rights activist, member of the National Council on Aging: (Photo: Dinh Hoa).

That also made me think: in a turbulent world where many children are still afraid of strangers, in Vietnam children warmly welcome, want to shake hands, and take pictures with foreigners.

When I heard the numbers of sacrifices in the past wars, my heart was squeezed. But you have overcome the loss to nurture a young generation as beautiful as the lotus. I just learned that the lotus is the national flower of Vietnam and it is right, because you are the embodiment of those lotuses: pure, resilient and full of life.

I hope to return to Vietnam one day and bring my grandchildren to meet the little friends here. I am old, but the future belongs to the children, the young buds of our two countries. I am very happy to be in Vietnam. I wish I could stay longer and learn Vietnamese to communicate. But even if I cannot speak Vietnamese yet, my heart is still talking to you.

On April 17, 2025, we had a meeting with the President of the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations and heard updated information about your country. I realized that our two countries are not only geographically distant, but also separated by invisible walls of media and prejudice. Therefore, witnessing and experiencing life here with my own eyes is a valuable experience. From the people I met, I clearly felt the dedication, resilience and hope for the future. That is the strongest message that I will carry with me.

Mr. Petr Tsvetov, First Vice President of the Russia - Vietnam Friendship Association:

Vietnam has a presence in many places around the world.

In early September 2025, I had the opportunity to return to Vietnam. Vietnam - the land where I lived and worked for many years. Just the short distance from the airport to the hotel was enough for me to recognize the changes, proving that Vietnam is developing rapidly and steadily reaching new heights.

I remember my first trip to Vietnam in 1977, when the country was still facing many difficulties. People still used ration stamps to buy rice, meat, and fish, only a little of each. At Dong Xuan market, there were almost only bananas, not many fruits or goods. Today, when I look back, I feel joy spreading in my heart. Hanoi is now very different from the past: any supermarket or market is full of goods, from agricultural products to electronic devices. I often tell my students that: just open the phone cover, you will immediately see the words "Made in Vietnam". That means Vietnamese products are present everywhere in the world, affirming the new position of the country.

Vietnam is now gradually mastering high technology, being dynamic and creative in the Fourth Industrial Revolution. I am particularly impressed with the GDP growth rate from 1990-2000, along with the boom in foreign trade, showing that the international community increasingly values ​​cooperation with Vietnam.

Mr. Kaneya Manabu (Former Chief of Saitama Provincial Police Department, Japan):

There are many smiles in Vietnam

Vietnamese people often smile friendly, very emotional and warm. I always see people smiling even though they are in difficult circumstances or have to work hard. The distance between people is also very close, even in the office. People care and share with each other very openly.

Mr. Kaneya Manabu (Former Chief of Saitama Prefectural Police Department, Japan). (Photo: Provided by the character).

For many Vietnamese people, happiness is not a good job or a lot of money, but having a warm and loving family. When I asked them how they would live when they were old, most Vietnamese people said that they had children and relatives to support them and that they did not have to worry about anything. People here are really emotional.

In some developed countries, many people commit suicide because of work pressure. For Vietnamese people, if work is difficult, they think about quitting, but rarely think about death. That shows self-respect and considers themselves the most important.

For Vietnamese people, if their father, mother or children are sick, they can ask for leave from work and state the reason for taking care of their relatives, and their leaders or colleagues will find it normal, no one will complain, and they will even send their regards or create conditions for more time off. This is a wonderful thing about humanity that I feel.

In Vietnam, there is a habit of taking a nap at work. I think many places should learn from this. Taking a nap of at least 5-10 minutes increases work efficiency. Taking a nap also reduces stress at work.

I want to get married and live happily with my family in Vietnam.

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/viet-nam-trong-tam-long-ban-be-217525.html