Conference spotlights Vietnam's desire for peace

At the event, jointly held by the provincial Union of Friendship Associations and the Vietnam Peace and Development Foundation, Vice Chairman of the provincial People’s Committee Hoang Nam highlighted that Quang tri, once a war-torn province and having suffered tragic losses and sacrifice, carries the nation’s eternal desire for peace that deeply shook the conscience of peace-loving humanity.

According to Amiad Horwitz, a member of the Communist Party USA's International Department, Quang Tri has risen from the ashes of war to development and prosperity thanks to the success of the "bamboo diplomacy" which has helped Vietnam as a whole robustly develop its economy, promote international integration, and contribute to international peace and stability.

Chairman of the Vietnam – US Association Pham Quang Vinh held that Vietnam and Quang Tri are always a symbol of desire for peace, righteousness, friendship solidarity and sustainable development.

He suggested measures to promote the symbol, strengthen the popularisation of the Quang Tri – Vietnam image as a destination for peace, and connect Quang Tri – Truong Son trail with other historical, cultural and tourism sites for the province's socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, Director of the institute for technology, culture and education development Dr Nguyen Ai Hoc said that "a peaceful city in Quang Tri" will be the place that converges and promotes the humane values of Vietnam as well as many other nations across the globe.

Quang Tri is the most polluted locality in Vietnam in terms of unexploded ordnances. Landmines and bombs have killed over 3,430 people and injured 5,100 others since the war ended in 1975.