The agreement was signed after nearly 5 years of negotiations from May 1968 in Paris, France with nearly 250 public and private meetings.
This was Vietnam's longest diplomatic engagement so far. The signing of the treaty was a historical milestone for the country. The legal document made the US accept Vietnam's independence and sovereignty as well as end its military operations in the country. It is regarded as an important foundation leading to the great victory in Spring 1975 with the liberation of the South of Vietnam and unification of the country.