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Ha Long Bay seen from the above |
The visit is a sideline activity of PAMS 42 which is co-hosted by the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army and the US Army Pacific Command (USARPAC).
Before the journey, many PAMS 42 delegates had been eager to visit Ha Long Bay - one of the seven natural wonders of the world and the world heritage recognized by UNESCO in 1994.
For some delegates, this was the first time they had visited Vietnam, and they were so fortunate to spend a day contemplating thousands of naturally-created grandiose and lively islands of different sizes in the bay during their first visit to the country.
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USARPAC Commanding General Robert B. Brown (2nd from right), Deputy Chief of the General Staff of the VPA Sr. Lt. Gen. Pham Hong Huong and their spouses in a joint photo |
Viewing the bay from Cruise No.1, USARPAC Commanding General Robert B. Brown said that Vietnam is lucky to have the precious natural heritage like Ha Long Bay. The US general stressed that he and his wife will certainly return to Vietnam to make a trans-Vietnam trip to learn more about the country, its culture and hospitable people.
He added that almost all PAMS 42 delegates expressed their pleasure at the capability and hospitality of the host country. They highly appreciated Vietnam’s organization of sideline activities for them during their short stay in the country.
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PAMS 42 delegates and their spouses briefed on the bay |
Meanwhile, Brigadier General Mohammad Abdul Alim Tarafder, head delegate of the Bangladeshi mission, and his spouse, Mahabuba Akhter, tried to take as many photographs of Ha Long Bay as possible as they did not want to miss any beautiful moments on the cruise of the bay. The couple said that the lime stones rising up from the blue sea water have made up a perfectly blended picture, and created unique shapes. “How wonderful they are!”, they said, stressing that they will tell their family and friends about their trip to Ha Long Bay and hope that these people would see the beauty of the bay with their own eyes in the future.
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A PAMS 42 delegate's spouse with a conical hat of Vietnam |
Coming from pretty Hawaii Islands in the central Pacific Ocean, US security officer Nadya Vorobyeva-Santiago could not help showing her excitement while watching the impressive scenery of Vietnam. The officer said that everything here is perfect, from scenery to people, and that Ha Long and Hawaii have many similarities. The Vietnamese bay has a mysterious beauty, fresh air and clean water. The officer affirmed she will return to Vietnam with her husband.
Standing on the deck of the cruise, Colonel Maung Maung Kyaw from Myanmar mission made a video-call to his 11-year-old daughter and showed her the beauty of Ha Long Bay. The Myanmar officer said that the bay is one of the must-visit destinations in life.
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The beauty of Ha Long Bay leaves deep impression on US security officer Nadya Vorobyeva-Santiago |
Before a visit to Ha Long Bay, PAMS 42 delegates and their spouses had visited the National Museum of Vietnamese History, the Vietnamese Women’s Museum, Van Phuc Silk Village, Old Quarter of Hanoi and watched water puppet performance.
Translated by Mai Huong