Hanoi meeting marks Paris Agreement signing

Luminaries at the event included Party General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong, State President Truong Tan Sang, National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung, Party Central Committee Head of Information and Communication Dinh The Huynh, Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee President Huynh Dam, Foreign Minister Pham Binh Minh, and former Party, State, Government, and NA leaders.

In his speech, President Sang said the Paris Peace Agreement represented the most hard-fought victory in Vietnam’s diplomatic history, a milestone of the 19- year struggle against the US that spanned political, militaristic, and diplomatic fronts.

Vietnam’s protracted resistance and its perpetual diplomatic struggle forced the US to recognise the country’s independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity, and eventually withdraw its troops from South Vietnam.

The peace agreement—the Ho Chi Minh campaign its highpoint—culminated in the liberation of the south and reunification of the country in April 1975. 

The agreement also managed to internationally inspire peace-loving people to join in efforts supporting Vietnamese people amid the hardships of their struggle. Many followed developments in the Paris negotiations as closely as they did those in battle.

Former Vice State President Nguyen Thi Binh, who was also the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of Southern Vietnam’s Delegation Chief, said the Vietnamese people’s campaign for justice accorded with the ideals and aspirations of people around the world.

Vietnam’s victory at the Paris conference was confirmed the correct diplomatic policy and guidelines had been adopted under the clear-sighted leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and his Politburo.

Le Viet Phuong, Secretary of the Foreign Ministry’s Youth Union, said lessons from the Paris Agreement were valuable assets teaching and encouraging generations of foreign ministry cadres.

Activities marking the anniversary provide younger generations the chance to deepen their understandings of the sacrifices and contributions their forebears made in the name of the united, beautiful, and peaceful nation they currently enjoy, Phuong added.