Russian reporter Sergey Aphonin had an article titled “Hanoi in my heart” in October’s first edition of the Russian news agency Itar-Tass’s fortnightly publication, Tassovets, on the 1,000th anniversary of Hanoi.

Aphonin wrote about Hanoi’s traditions and customs and reviewed its achievements in the national construction and defence.

He said “I used to live in Hanoi when the capital city was being targeted by bombs and rockets”. Those heart-breaking scenes made him think of the great struggle waged by the people of the former Soviet Union against fascism.

He said Vietnam had become his second home and concluded in his article that 1,000-year-old Hanoi is hospitable, hardworking and optimistic and has a unique culture. Hanoi, the heroic city, is always in his heart.