HỘI AN — The people of Vietnam in general and Hội An residents in particular will never forget the priceless contributions made by Polish archaeologist and architect Kazimierz Kwiatkowski, known as ‘Kazik’, to restoring the ancient town, Mỹ Sơn Sanctuary and Complex of Huế Monuments.

Addressing a meeting held in Hoi An yesterday to mark Kazik’s 20th death anniversary, local sculptor Phạm Hồng also said that the Polish architect’s work was crucial to the cultural sites and the city being recognised by UNESCO has World Heritage sites.

Hồng, built the 2.5m tall statue of Kazik that stands at 138 Trần Phú Street.

Polish ambassadress Barbara Szymanowska said, “We are also proud that ‘Kazik’, a Polish citizen, was involved in restoring Hội An as a World Heritage recognised by UNESCO.”

On the occasion, Polish writer Jacek Zygmunt Matuszak introduced a book, “Kazimierz Kwiatkowski (1944-1997) – Memory of a special man.”

He said ‘Kazik’ was even more well-known in Việt Nam rather than in Poland. It was very hard to find an article about the works and life of Kazik, so the Polish embassy took the initiative to publish the book, he said.

“I hope that the book will help us remember him (Kazik), and his contribution to restoration of world heritages as well as the friendship between Việt Nam and Poland,” he said, adding that the 187-page book is being published in Vietnamese, Polish and English.

The Polish architect lived in Việt Nam for 16 years.

The Polish ambassadress will visit the ‘Kazik’ Park in Hội An today and a memorial ceremony will be held in Huế tomorrow, March 19.. — VNS