Journalist and photographer Gian Thanh Son has recently released a new photobook entitled 'Vi The Viet Nam' (Viet Nam’s Status in the World), featuring the diplomatic work of Viet Nam’s former President, Truong Tan Sang during his 5-year term (2011-2016).

The cover of the book 'Vi The Viet Nam' (Viet Nam’s Status in the World) (VNA/VNS Photo)

The book also showcases the diplomatic achievements of the country within President Sang’s term, which has contributed to peaceful, stable and favourable conditions for the development of diplomatic ties between Viet Nam and other countries.

Such achievements have also contributed to the socio-economic development, the preservation of sovereignty, national defence and the nation’s status.

To finish the book, Son, had to closely accompany President Sang during his official visits to more than 30 nations worldwide and international conferences across the globe during his five-year term.

“I worked on this book with the responsibilities of the journalist, and moreover, of a citizen in the context of national development. I put all my heart into the compiling process.  It is a bilingual book with international elements so I felt even more responsibility. It took nearly 10 months, both days and nights, to finish,” Son said.

According to him, the book features more than 400 photos and nearly 70,000 words, both in Vietnamese and English.

“After this book, I will publish 'Vong Quanh The Gioi' (Around the World) book to introduce the culture, architecture and daily activities of the countries I have set foot in. I have nurtured the idea for the book for over 10 years.  As soon as it is released, I will present it to museums, public libraries and schools so that more people will learn about Viet Nam’s diplomatic achievements,” he added.

Gian Thanh Son was born in 1957 in the Long An Province. He is a member of the Viet Nam Journalists Asociation and the Viet Nam Lawyer Association.  As a journalist for more than 40 years, he has travelled to 60 countries and participated in many United Nations conferences and summits.

Son has set 4 national records recognised by the Viet Nam Books of Records for photography. He is currently working as a correspondent covering the President of Viet Nam.

(Source: VNS)