Polish PM Donald Tusk visits Hoi An, honors heritage-advocating architect, greets locals

During the visit, which took place as part of his official trip to Vietnam, Tusk laid flowers at a monument to Kwiatkowski, affectionately known to local residents as Kazik, according to the Vietnam News Agency.

Kwiatkowski made important contributions to preserving and promoting the heritage values of Hoi An Ancient Town, the My Son Sanctuary and the Complex of Hue Monuments, helping Hoi An and My Son gain UNESCO World Cultural Heritage status.

He was also the first to recognize the special value of the ancient town.

The process of researching and preparing the dossier for UNESCO recognition took nearly 20 years and involved numerous difficulties and challenges, but Kwiatkowski never lost heart.

Hoi An Ancient Town was officially inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site on December 4, 1999.

Kwiatkowski's significant contributions to preserving and promoting Vietnam's cultural heritage have become a symbol of the friendship and close ties between Vietnam and Poland.

After the memorial ceremony, Tusk and the high-ranking Polish delegation strolled through the ancient town, visited historical and cultural sites, and enjoyed artistic performances organized to welcome them.

Large crowds of residents and tourists gathered along the streets to welcome the Polish leader, who warmly greeted people, shook hands and posed for commemorative photos.

After the visit, Tusk's official Facebook and X accounts shared photos of him interacting with residents and tourists in Hoi An.

Tusk's visit to the ancient town highlights the traditional friendship and cultural ties between Vietnam and Poland, which established diplomatic relations in 1950.

Joanna Skoczek, chargé d'affaires of the Polish Embassy in Vietnam, said Tusk's visit to Vietnam aimed to identify and reaffirm areas with strong potential for bilateral cooperation, including education, trade, cooperation at international forums, culture and people-to-people exchanges.

Several important documents will also be signed during the visit to strengthen the legal framework for bilateral relations, she said.

Tusk arrived in Da Nang on Friday evening for an official visit to Vietnam from October 24 to 26 at the invitation of Vietnamese Prime Minister Le Minh Hung.

He previously visited Vietnam in 2010.

From 2014 to 2019, he served as president of the European Council, becoming the first Polish politician to hold the position.

In December 2023, Poland's parliament elected him prime minister.