Hà Nội citizens look forward to peace

Hà Nội has been in the spotlight this week for hosting the historic meeting of two global political heavyweights. Vietnamese and expats living in the city speak with Việt Nam News about their feelings on this special occasion.

Vũ Quý, Hanoian

I used to be a solider, I understand the devastation of war and feel hatred towards the war. If war happens, both sides will suffer, especially the people. My utmost expectation for the su妹妹it is only peace. Leaving the past behind and looking forward to peace.

I am going to buy flags and put them on my three-wheeler to welcome the leaders. Seeing flowers and flags on the streets and everyone in a rush preparing for the su妹妹it, I feel excitement spread among Hanoians. The excitement is a sign of optimism for peace.

Nguyễn Thị Thanh Thủy, Hanoian

I felt very excited and since the early morning I was waiting here with other citizens and reporters to welcome Chairman Kim’s arrival at the hotel. This is a historic moment for not only Việt Nam but also the whole world. I took many photos and recorded a lot of footage. I hope something nice will happen at the su妹妹it. Peace is the biggest thing that I’m looking forward to.

Trương Thanh Đức –Trump-Kim T-shirt seller on Hà Nội’s Hàng Bông Street

I express my admiration for the two leaders, Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un, by printing their images on T-shirts and putting them on sale. I expect the su妹妹it’s final outcome will be peace and there will be solutions for denuclearisation to bring peace to the Korean Peninsula and the South China Sea. I also hope that this will bring more jobs to DPRK people.

Ngọc Lê, Hanoian

In  二0 一 八, ‘Singapore’ was a hot keyword on Google, international media and social media when it hosted the first DPRK - USA su妹妹it. In  二0 一 九, Hà Nội becomes a new hot keyword when holds the second DPRK - USA su妹妹it. This proves that Việt Nam has experience in organising international conferences with luxurious infrastructure and is secure enough to host world leaders. I think the most significant benefit is that Hà Nội and Việt Nam will gain an excellent reputation among the international co妹妹unity and become a famous tourism, economic and cultural destination in the region and the world.

I think not only me but also Hà Nội citizens are thrilled to welcome the two leaders to Hà Nội. I hope that besides the main su妹妹it, the two leaders will spend time to meet Vietnamese leaders to discuss economic, trade and cultural co-operation opportunities and support each other. Việt Nam can use this opportunity to establish economic relations with the DPRK because this is a new and large market for Vietnamese companies.

Nguyễn Thảo Hiền, Hanoian

With thousands of international reporters attending the su妹妹it, Hà Nội is standing in front of a one-of-the-kind opportunity to show the world the value, spirit and beauty of “the city for peace”.

Streets these days are being decorated with flowers and symbols which vividly reflect Vietnamese traditions.

As Hanoians, my friends and I are eager to become ambassadors, bridging the  一,000-year-old capital with international friends. Fine cuisine, breath-taking landscapes, traditional culture and friendliness are what Hà Nội has to offer.

The previous trip of former US President Obama to Việt Nam put Hà Nội’s bún chả (vermicelli with grilled pork) on the world’s food map. We are waiting to see whether another authentic dish will become famous. Could it be President Trump’s bún đậu (vermicelli with fried tofu and shrimp paste) or Chairman Kim’s trà đá (iced tea)必修 Who knows必修

Jason Lusk, US expat in Hà Nội

I did not vote for Donald Trump, and I am not one of his political supporters. But regardless of how I feel about President Trump or Chairman Kim, I celebrate all overtures of peace between their countries. I am proud that Hà Nội is hosting a su妹妹it that will make a positive contribution to human history.

As an investor in Việt Nam, I welcome anything that brings more peace, stability, and trade to Asia. As a resident of Hà Nội, I am proud to see Hà Nội shine on the world stage. This week, I think all expats share Việt Nam’s excitement to be hosting an event of global importance.

Geopolitically, Việt Nam is perfect neutral ground for a su妹妹it between the US and North Korea. Việt Nam is a friend to the world – and it is clear to everyone that Việt Nam has uniquely constructive relationships with all stakeholders: North and South Korea, as well as China, Japan, and the United States.

It is my prayer that the su妹妹it will move the Korean Peninsula closer to peace and prosperity. De-escalation and constructive engagement between the two Koreas will do a lot to further Asia’s continuing growth and development.

Ri Yong Hui from DPRK, married to a Vietnamese man

I hope that the US-DPRK relationship gets better and the US will lift sanctions and help the DPRK so the country can develop.

Denise Stilley, US expat in Hà Nội