Viet Nam News
HÀ NỘI — The lessons learned from the Paris Peace Accords can still be applied today, according to former Vice President Nguyễn Thị Bình.
Vietnamese diplomats of different generations gathered in Hà Nội yesterday to celebrate the 45th anniversary of the Paris Peace Accords.
Among the attendees was former Vice President Bình. As head of the delegation of the National Front for the Liberation of South Việt Nam, she represented the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Việt Nam to sign the accords.
On January 27, 1973, the Paris Peace Accords – an agreement to end the American war and restore peace in Việt Nam – were signed in Paris between the four governments of the Democratic Republic of Việt Nam, the National Front for the Liberation of South Việt Nam, the Republic of Việt Nam and the United States.
The agreement was the result of the longest and most difficult struggle in the history of Việt Nam’s diplomacy, with 202 public meetings held over four years, eight months and 14 days.
Speaking at the meeting, Bình said that the negotiations between the four parties left several valuable lessons for Việt Nam’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, Bình added.
People’s diplomacy needs to be strengthened in Việt Nam’s current context, with a focus on building and defending the country, she said.
Nguyễn Mạnh Cầm, former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, said the Paris Peace Accords were a great success in many aspects, not only for Việt Nam but also for the world.
Lê Hải Bình, deputy director of the Diplomacy Academy of Việt Nam, said that the accords were “a miracle” that inspire and encourage Vietnamese diplomats to contribute to the country’s diplomacy. — VNS
