Paris Accords’ 45th anniversary celebrated in Hanoi
The lessons learned from the Paris Peace Accords can still be applied today, according to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh.
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| Former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh (middle) speaks at a meeting which marks the 45th year of the Paris Peace Accords |
Among the attendees was former Vice President Binh. As head of the delegation of the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, she represented the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam to sign the accords.
On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords – an agreement to end the war against US forces and restore peace in Vietnam – were signed in Paris between the four governments of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam, the Republic of Vietnam and the US.
The agreement was the result of the longest and most difficult struggle in the history of Vietnam’s diplomacy, with 202 public meetings held over four years, eight months and 14 days.
Speaking at the meeting, Binh said that the negotiations between the four parties left several valuable lessons for Vietnam’s diplomacy today and in the future.
The right diplomatic strategy, an accurate assessment of the parties’ strengths and the world’s situation and taking advantage of internal strengths and international opportunities brought the best out of the negotiations, she said.
A country’s internal strength is what makes successful diplomacy, which includes military strength and economic strength, Binh added.
People’s diplomacy needs to be strengthened in Vietnam’s current context, with a focus on building and defending the country, she said.
Nguyen Manh Cam, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the Paris Peace Accords were a great success in many aspects, not only for Vietnam but also for the world.
Le Hai Binh, Deputy Director of the Diplomacy Academy of Vietnam, said that the accords were “a miracle” that inspire and encourage Vietnamese diplomats to contribute to the country’s diplomacy.