Raafat, one the two Egyptian journalists who were invited to attend the 1000^th anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi in October last year says his visit helped him gain a better understanding of a heroic Vietnam through the two resistance wars against French colonialists and US imperialists to gain national independence. It also gave him an insight into Hanoi-a thousand-year-old city and Vietnam- a newly-emerging economy in Asia.

On the occasion of the 11^th National Party Congress, a Radio Voice of Vietnam (VOV) reporter in Egypt interviewed journalist Raafat.

Reporter: What is your impression after your recent visit to Hanoi?

Mr. Raafat: I was very happy to attend the millennium anniversary of Thang Long-Hanoi, I visited many places of interest and historical heritage sites, witnessed Hanoi’s development and met with municipal and government leaders. I can say Vietnam has grown in a rapid and modern way and proved successful on its path to development.

Reporter: What is your assessment of the CPV’s role in the process of national construction and development?

Mr. Raafat: In the past, Vietnam faced a lot of difficulties due to war but today, the country has developed so quickly and made many significant improvements.

There are many choices and models of development but I think that the CPV has chosen its right path to development to lead the people to gain national independence toward national stability and development. With closely-coordinated efforts by the Government and people, Vietnam will continue to develop strongly to become Asia’s big model of economic development in the future.

The United Nations and many countries around the world have praised Vietnam’s development policy as successful.

Reporter: The CPV will convene its 11^th Congress soon. What is your message to the congress?

Mr.Raafat: The CPV is unique in Vietnam. That’s a right choice. The CPV has implemented its major tasks of national construction and development while making every effort to boost the country’s socio-economic development. I believe that the CPV will successfully turn Vietnam into a strong and sustainable economy.

The Vietnamese Government and people always show their strong solidarity and close cooperation in implementing Party guidelines and policies. As the CPV always aims to serve the interests of the people, I believe that the CPV will be successful in its chosen path.

Reporter: Thank you very much.