More than 1,000 delegates from 62 countries and territories around the globe are attending the 97th World Congress of Esperanto (UK97), which opened in Hanoi on July 29. Addressing the opening ceremony, State Vice President Nguyen Thi Doan said that over the past 125 years, Esperanto has become an international language that is welcomed in many countries. It has also greatly contributed to strengthening solidarity among nations for the sake of peace and development. Vietnam is honoured to host UK97, she said, adding that this is also a chance for the country to thank international friends for their great support and introduce a peace-loving nation on the path to development and international integration. Ms Doan reaffirmed the Vietnamese Party and State’s policy of backing the development of Esperanto in the country and worldwide. Esperanto's creator, Dr Ludwig Zamenhof, and generations of Esperanto lovers are proud of how the language has been preserved and developed. As a reliable friend and partner, Vietnam aims to join hands with the international community to develop Esperanto and unite people all over the world for peace, development and cooperation. Probal Dasgupta, President of the World Esperanto Association, was delighted that this year’s congress was hosted by such a beautiful country with a longstanding patriotic tradition. He said Esperanto is not specific to any particular culture and he believes the language will be popularized in many countries, including Vietnam. Esperanto will be the link between peace-lovers all over the world, he said. UK97, the first of its kind held in Vietnam, is co-organised by the Vietnam Union of Friendship Organisations (VUFO), the Vietnam Esperanto Association (VEA) and the World Esperanto Association. On the occasion, Vice President Doan granted the Friendship Order to the World Esperanto Association in recognition of its support for Vietnam’s past struggle for national independence. ** On the same day, A “Vietnam Day” was held to introduce Vietnam and its people, manners and customs, and cultural traditions to international friends. VEA President Nguyen Van Loi gave a presentation on Vietnam’s 4,000-year history, as well as its 54 ethnic minorities, beautiful landscapes, and numerous recognized aspects of intangible cultural heritage. He said Vietnam always welcomes international friends and is willing to unite with other nations to work for peace and development. The VUFO also presented the “Peace and Friendship among Nations” insignia to eight international delegates to acknowledge their contributions to the development of Esperanto. VOV