The significance of the Dien Bien Phu Victory and Vietnam’s achievements are spotlighted in Egyptian journal
On April 21, the Egyptian newspaper Cairo Today featured an article emphasizing the historical significance of Vietnam’s Dien Bien Phu Victory, commemorating its 70th anniversary, and highlighting the country’s remarkable achievements in the decades following its Doi Moi (Renewal) policy.
Authored by Ahmed Hassan, the article underscored how the victory not only left an indelible mark on Vietnam’s history but also reshaped the global landscape, igniting national independence movements in colonial and dependent nations.
Hassan emphasized that the Dien Bien Phu Victory marked a pivotal moment in world history, as it witnessed a colonial military defeating a European professional army for the first time. This triumph not only emboldened the Vietnamese people but also inspired similar struggles for independence across the globe, particularly in French colonies. The momentum spurred by Vietnam’s success led to the emergence of 1960 as the “Year of Africa,” with 17 African nations gaining independence.
The victory’s international significance heralded a new era in the fight against colonialism, offering hope and momentum to liberation movements worldwide. Moreover, it directly paved the way for the Geneva Agreement, facilitating peace in Indochina and setting the stage for Vietnam’s subsequent triumphs, including the resistance against the US and the reunification of the country in 1975.
Hassan also celebrated Vietnam’s socio-economic transformation over nearly four decades, lauding its ascent from poverty to become the world’s 35th largest economy by GDP. Vietnam’s impressive progress includes transitioning from a low-income nation to a rising economic force, aiming for upper-middle-income status by 2030. Furthermore, the country has been recognized for its achievements in advancing the United Nations Millennium Goals.
In the realm of foreign relations, Vietnam has evolved from a state under siege to a global diplomatic player. It has fostered strategic partnerships with major powers and expanded economic ties with over 230 countries and territories, solidifying its reputation as a reliable and responsible member of the international community.
