PANO – These days, nearly 1,000 representatives from 62 countries and territories nationwide are taking part in various activities of the 97th World Congress of Esperanto (UK 97) in Hanoi. All of them expressed their delight to visit Vietnam as well as their sentiment and love for the beautiful country and hoped that they will have a chance to return to Vietnam to learn more about its culture.
Hori Yasuo, former Chairman of the Asian Esperanto Movement and member of the Committee of Universala Esperanto-Asocio (UEA), who had many great contributions to the development of Esperanto movement in the world in general and in Vietnam in particular, affirmed to continue supporting Vietnam to his death.
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| Mr. Hori Yasuo |
When he was a student, Hori Yasuo took part in demonstrations against the unjust war of the U.S in Vietnam and he many times came to Vietnam to teach Esperanto for free to Vietnamese youngsters. He also published books and articles to praise the beauty of Vietnam and its people as well as supporting the cause of national construction and development in Vietnam.
Taking part in the UK97 in Vietnam, Hori Yasuo impressed representatives from other countries by wearing Vietnam’s traditional long dress for men.
He said that he has a Vietnamese adopted daughter, Hong Hanh. Few years ago, Hong Hanh presented him the long dress on the occasion of her wedding. He considered the dress a priceless present from his adopted daughter. Therefore, he decided to wear it to take part in the UK97.
“Thanks to Hong Hanh, I knew more about Vietnamese culture, especially Vietnam’s traditional musical instruments,” he added.
As a man with the love of traditional musical instruments, so when he learnt that Vietnam has many traditional instruments, he spent time learning Vietnamese traditional instruments as well as how to play them. He also organized many programs to play Esperanto songs with Vietnamese traditional instruments, and these performances had good impressions on international audience.
Like Hori Yasuo, Australian Esperantist Franciska Touble visited Vietnam many times and came to Vietnam to teach Esperanto.
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| Ms. Franciska Touble |
She said that this is one of the most special returns as she has an opportunity to visit Vietnam and meet old and new friends as well as receive a medal from Vietnam Union of Friendship Associations. The medal recognized Esperantists’ efforts, including her, in promoting the Esperanto movement.
With its long history, many beautiful landscapes and diversified culture, Vietnam is now a top choice of foreign tourists.
“I came to Vietnam many times, however, I did not learn much about Vietnamese culture. I hope that next time I will stay in Vietnam longer to learn more about Vietnamese culture,” said Franciska Touble.
Not only Hori Yasuo and Franciska Touble but also many Esperantists from countries and territories talked about their beautiful sentiment and love for Vietnam. The UK97 is an excellent opportunity for Vietnam to be grateful to international friends for their help over the past time as well as to popularize the beautiful country to countries around the world.
Translated by Tran Hoai