Hanoi (VNA) - The victory on April 30, 1975 of the Vietnamesepeople has significant historical meaning as it opened up an era of integrationand helped increase Vietnam’s prestige in the global arena, a Russian expert hassaid.

Professor and Doctor of History at Saint PetersburgUniversity Vladimir Kolotov made the statement in a recent interview granted tothe Vietnam News Agency on the occasion of the 45th anniversary of theLiberation of the South and National Reunification Day (April 30, 1975).

He explained that the victory was a long-termfight for national freedom and reunification against an extremely strong opponent.

Vietnam then focused on building the countryand integrating into the world, he went on.

The Professoremphasised that Vietnam pursues a foreign policy of independence and the countryhas proved itself a responsible member of the international community.

He assessedthat Vietnam’s prestige around the globe has continued to grow as the country istaking on the role of ASEAN Chair 2020 and non-permanent member of the UN SecurityCouncil (UNSC) for 2020-2021.

The CommunistParty of Vietnam (CPV), which was established in 1930, plays a decisive role inthe country’s success today. It led the Vietnamese people in the successful AugustRevolution in 1945 and many important later victories that were crucial to nationalreunification.

At that difficult time, the Party encouraged all people to strengthen solidarity to liberatethe south and reunite the country, the Professor said, affirming that the victorywas geopolitically significant to the region and the world.

He alsohighlighted Vietnam’s achievements in implementing its “Doi Moi” (reform) policy,which has helped improve locals' living standards and maintain high economic growth.

Vietnamis now considered a “potential Asian dragon” due to its rapid economic growth, which hasaveraged 7 percent over the last decade./.