Cairo (VNA) – Egyptian newspaper Cairo Today onApril 21 ran a story spotlighting the significance of Vietnam’s Dien Bien PhuVictory 70 years ago and the country’s achievements in its path toprosperity after nearly 40 years of Doi Moi (Renewal).

Ahmed Hassan, the author of the article, held that the victory not only influenced Vietnam's history but also changed theworld situation, paving the way for national independence movements in colonialand dependent countries.

This was the first time in the world history that the militaryof a colonial country defeated a European professional army, underlined theauthor, stressing that the victory not only had great significance for the Vietnamesepeople but was also a strong encouragement and inspiration for other colonialcountries around the world in their fight against invaders for national independence.

With the inspiration called "Vietnam", colonialpeoples in many parts of the world rose up to overthrow colonialism and regain the control of their country, especially in French colonies, he noted,adding that in 1960 alone, 17 countries in Africa gained national independence, making1960 the "Year of Africa".

The Dien Bien Phu Victory also had international historicalimportance, opening a new era, a new phase in the heroic struggle of colonialpeoples to liberate themselves, while encouraging and contributing to opening abright future for the liberation movement of all peoples in the world.

Hassan called the victory "a brilliant golden milestonein history” which directly led to the signing of the Geneva Agreement onending the war and restoring peace in Indochina, creating a basis andconditions for Vietnamese people to advance to victory in the resistance waragainst the US and to liberate the South and reunite thecountry in 1975.

In the article, the author also highlighted great andhistorical achievements that Vietnam has gained over the past nearly 40 years,rising from a poor and underdeveloped country to an economy with Gross DomesticProduct (GDP) reaching 430 billion USD in 2023, ranking fifth among the ASEANcountries and 35th among the 40 largest economies in the world.

Vietnam has become the 22nd largest trade partnerglobally. The country has left the group of low-income countries since 2008 andon the way to become an upper-middle income country by 2030, according to thearticle.

It added that Vietnam is considered one of the leadingcountries in achieving the United Nations Millennium Goals.

Regarding foreign affairs, from a country under siege andembargo, Vietnam has now expanded and deepened diplomatic relations with 193countries. By now, it has established comprehensive strategicpartnerships or strategic partnerships with all the five permanent members of theUnited Nations Security Council, while sharing economic and trade relationswith 230 countries and territories. This shows that Vietnam's position andreputation in the international arena is high, affirming its policy of being afriend, a trustworthy partner and an active and responsible member of the internationalcommunity, read the article./.