Attending the ceremony were Politburo members: Standing member of the Secretariat Vo Van Thuong, Permanent Vice Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man; Secretary of the Party Central Committee, Head of the Central Propaganda Department Nguyen Trong Nghia; Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice President, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Head of the Delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam at the Paris Conference.
Also attending were leaders and former leaders of the Party, State and the Foreign Affairs sector; representatives of the families of members of the two negotiating delegations of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam and their families; leaders and former leaders of foreign affairs agencies and agencies participating in the negotiations and implementation of the Paris Agreement; a number of international delegates who directly and indirectly contributed to Vietnam's victory in negotiating and signing the Paris Agreement; experts and historical researchers.
On behalf of the Party and State leaders, Comrade Vo Van Thuong, Politburo member and Standing member of the Secretariat, presented flowers to the members of the negotiation delegation attending the ceremony, including: Former VicePresident Nguyen Thi Binh; former Head of the Central Committee's Cultural and Ideological Commission, former Editor-in-Chief of Nhan Dan Newspaper and Communist Magazine, former member of the negotiation delegation of the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam Ha Dang; former Department Head and former member of the Negotiation Delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Huynh Van Trinh; former Department Head and former interpreter of the Negotiation Delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam Pham Ngac.
The Paris Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam was the pinnacle of victory of our country's diplomatic front during the period of resistance against the US and national salvation, a milestone in the golden history of Vietnam's revolutionary diplomacy; marking the ultimate maturity of revolutionary diplomacy in the Ho Chi Minh era.
The signing of the Paris Agreement was also a historic turning point, affirming victory on the diplomatic, political and military fronts, successfully combining the strength of the nation with the strength of the times, creating a new position and force for our nation's fight, creating a favorable turning point for the revolution, leading to the great victory of Spring 1975.
The Agreement is the first, most comprehensive and complete international legal document recognizing the fundamental rights of the Vietnamese people; it is the official international recognition of Vietnam's independence, unity and territorial integrity.
The victory of the Paris Agreement was the withdrawal of the US from Vietnam, which greatly contributed to the liberation of the people of Laos and Cambodia; it helped open a new period in the Southeast Asian region - a period of peace, stability, closing the past, moving towards building the ASEAN community. The Paris Agreement is a strong testament to the truth that "justice triumphs over cruelty, humanity replaces violence", strengthening the belief of peace-loving people and oppressed peoples around the world in their just struggle. Therefore, the Paris Agreement has entered the history of the common struggle of the people of the world for independence, freedom; for peace and justice.
Speaking at the opening ceremony, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son affirmed: Independence, self-reliance and national integrity are immutable principles, the red thread running through the thousands of years of building and defending the country of the Vietnamese people. Besides steadfastly defending national independence and sovereignty, our ancestors always focused on diplomatic activities, creating a tradition and unique identity of Vietnamese diplomacy full of spirit, peace, reason, justice and fairness: "Using great righteousness to defeat cruelty; Using benevolence to replace violence!"; "Extinguishing the eternal fire of war; Opening the foundation of eternal peace!". These are thoughts and philosophies that will last forever with the Vietnamese people.
That fine tradition and identity were nurtured, promoted and shone in the Ho Chi Minh era, forming the Vietnamese revolutionary diplomacy associated with the ideology, style and diplomatic art of Ho Chi Minh. Under the leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, closely coordinating with the political and military fronts, the diplomatic front has always played a crucial role in the national liberation cause of our people, contributing to creating great victories, glorifying the history of the nation. From negotiating to protect independence after the August Revolution in 1945; to negotiating and signing the Geneva Agreement in 1954 and the peak of negotiating and signing the Paris Agreement in 1973, creating the premise for our people to realize their aspirations for peace, national independence, national unification and prosperous development.
The Paris Agreement, signed exactly half a century ago, successfully concluded the longest and most complicated negotiation in the history of Vietnamese diplomacy to end the longest war in the 20th century. This victory had strategic significance, creating a new situation for our army and people to advance to "defeat the puppet government" with the climax being the historic Ho Chi Minh campaign, completely liberating the South, unifying the country, opening an era of peace, independence, unity and development in Vietnam. This great victory was the crystallization of the results of the steadfast, indomitable struggle and immense sacrifices of our army and people on the political, military and diplomatic fronts under the wise and talented leadership of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh, from the Dong Khoi Ben Tre in 1960, to the General Offensive and Uprising of Tet Mau Than in 1968, the Spring-Summer Strategic Offensive in 1972 and the resounding victory of 12 days and nights of "Hanoi - Dien Bien Phu in the air". Diplomacy has become an offensive front, smoothly combining and completely transforming victories on the political and military fronts into victories at the negotiating table, brilliantly demonstrating Vietnam's mettle, character and intelligence, imbued with Ho Chi Minh's ideology, style and diplomatic art.
The Paris Agreement is not only a victory for the Vietnamese people, but also goes down in history as a common struggle of the people of the world for peace, independence, freedom, progress and justice. The movement against unjust wars of aggression and in support of the just national liberation struggle of the Vietnamese people has developed strongly and widely in the world. This movement has become a symbol of the times and represents human conscience. Therefore, the victory of the Vietnamese people at the Paris Conference as well as in the struggle for national liberation and national reunification is also a victory of the people of the world in the struggle for national independence, democracy and peace, a great encouragement for the peace-loving peoples and nations of the world to firmly believe in the victory of justice, morality and justice.
The victory at the Paris Conference originated from the correct revolutionary line and the wise leadership and direction of the Party and President Ho Chi Minh; from the burning desire for peace, the passionate tradition of patriotism, the great solidarity, the cultural identity and intelligence of the Vietnamese people forged through thousands of years of building and defending the country. On the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement, we are infinitely grateful for the immense contributions of President Ho Chi Minh and previous generations of revolutionaries; forever grateful for the immense sacrifices of blood and bones of countless cadres, soldiers, and compatriots nationwide, and the support and direction towards the Fatherland of our overseas compatriots.
In the overall victory of the nation, there was a very important contribution from the Vietnamese diplomatic staff, including the direct contribution of the members of the negotiating delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, as well as the staff serving the negotiation, signing and implementation of the Paris Agreement; among them, a number of comrades are attending today's Commemoration Ceremony. The Paris Conference marked the remarkable maturity of Vietnamese revolutionary diplomacy, forging excellent diplomats in the Ho Chi Minh era, people who became shining examples of patriotism, political courage, diplomatic style and art, and were loved by international friends such as comrades Le Duc Tho, Nguyen Duy Trinh, Xuan Thuy, Nguyen Thi Binh, Nguyen Co Thach and many other outstanding diplomatic staff. On the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement, we pay tribute to and remember the great contributions of the Party and State leaders who directly directed the negotiations and signing of the Paris Agreement, the members of the negotiating delegation and the staff participating in the diplomatic struggle and implementation of the Paris Agreement.
The victory of the Vietnamese people at the Paris Conference is inseparable from the pure solidarity and the wholehearted material and spiritual support of people and friends from all over the world. We always remember and sincerely thank the socialist countries, international friends and peace-loving people around the world who stood side by side to support and help the Vietnamese people throughout the struggle for national liberation and national reunification.
Looking back at the diplomatic struggle leading to the signing of the Paris Agreement is to review a heroic period in the history of the nation, spreading and educating the glorious tradition of the unique and distinctive Vietnamese diplomacy. The process of negotiating, signing and implementing the Paris Agreement is an extremely valuable book about the Vietnamese school of foreign affairs and diplomacy with many lessons that will forever remain valuable, including lessons that have become the philosophy and viewpoints throughout the foreign policy of our Party and State in the cause of innovation, national development and national defense today.
First of all, it is a lesson of steadfast independence, self-reliance, self-strengthening, and self-improvement for the benefit of the nation. This is both a consistent principle and a great lesson of the Vietnamese revolution in general and the diplomatic struggle at the Paris Conference in particular. Independence and self-reliance in every decision and every step have helped Vietnam always maintain the initiative in attack, steadfast in goals and principles but flexible in negotiation strategies, thereby always ensuring the highest national interests.
Second, the lesson of combining national strength with the strength of the times. National strength is the strength of holding high the banner of justice: peace, national independence, national sovereignty and territorial integrity; the strength of the Party's correct revolutionary guidelines and strategies; the strength of the great solidarity bloc, patriotic tradition, cultural identity and diplomacy of the nation; the strength from the skillful combination of political, military and diplomatic fronts... The strength of the times is expressed in the common aspiration of nations and peoples for peace, development, respect for basic national rights, respect for justice and human dignity... National strength combined with the solidarity, support and assistance of the people of the world has created a combined strength for the Vietnamese people to win victory in their just struggle.
Third, the lesson of being steadfast in goals and principles, yet flexible and mobile in strategies according to the motto “with unchangeable principles, responding to all changes”. Our goals and principles are national independence, national unification, and respect for national sovereignty as President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: “Vietnam is one, the Vietnamese people are one. Rivers may dry up, mountains may erode, but that truth will never change”. Our strategy is to “fight while negotiating”, be creative, and flexibly adjust according to each issue, each time, and each partner on the basis of steadfast strategic goals.
Fourth, lessons on style, art of foreign affairs and diplomacy are imbued with Ho Chi Minh's ideology, style and art of diplomacy, such as lessons on research, assessment and forecasting the situation, "knowing oneself, knowing others", "knowing the times, knowing the situation"; on knowing how to win step by step to reach final victory; on creating and seizing opportunities to transform victory on the battlefield into victory at the negotiating table; on skillfully combining strategy and tactics, between politics-military and diplomacy, between State diplomacy and Party diplomacy, people's diplomacy, between independence, autonomy and international solidarity, between the diplomatic forces of the North and the South, although two but one, although one but two...
Fifth, the lesson of proactively and actively building a diplomatic force, in which cadres are the key. From the reality of the Vietnamese revolution and with a strategic vision, our Party and President Ho Chi Minh soon directed the building of a cadre force for the struggle on the diplomatic front. From the Geneva Conference in 1954 to the Paris Conference, the Vietnamese diplomatic cadre team has grown remarkably, with revolutionary qualities, equipped with foreign affairs knowledge, methods, skills and the art of negotiation. Our Party and President Ho Chi Minh selected, trained and entrusted responsibilities to outstanding cadres to participate in the diplomatic front, making a very important contribution to the victory at the Paris Conference.
Sixth, the overarching lesson is the Party's unified and absolute leadership over the revolutionary cause of our people in general and the diplomatic front in particular. On the basis of creatively applying Marxism-Leninism, promoting the nation's tradition of defending the country and Ho Chi Minh's thought, accurately assessing the revolutionary practice in the country and the international situation, our Party has proposed correct revolutionary policies, lines and strategies, opening up a proactive diplomatic front, closely coordinating and unifying with the political and military fronts, "both fighting and negotiating", creating a combined strength to achieve total victory.
In addition to the outstanding lessons mentioned above, there are many rich lessons from the Paris Conference, especially lessons on style, method and art of diplomacy, which need to continue to be researched, evaluated and summarized to pass on to present and future generations.
In the cause of national development and defense, inheriting and creatively applying Ho Chi Minh's diplomatic ideology, the nation's cultural and diplomatic identity, along with the historical lessons of the Paris Conference, Vietnam consistently implements a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation and development, multilateralization, diversification, proactive and active international integration comprehensively and extensively; being a friend, a reliable partner and an active and responsible member of the international community; gradually building a comprehensive and modern diplomacy with three pillars: Party diplomacy, State diplomacy and people-to-people diplomacy.
From a country heavily devastated by war, Vietnam has become a middle-income country with increasingly high international status and prestige, stable socio-politics, a dynamically developing economy, independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity are maintained, and people's lives are constantly improving. To date, Vietnam has diplomatic relations with 190 out of 193 United Nations member countries, including strategic partnerships with 17 countries and comprehensive partnerships with 13 countries; has economic relations with more than 230 countries and territories; has signed 15 free trade agreements (FTAs), including new-generation FTAs. Vietnam is also an active member of more than 70 important international organizations and forums such as the United Nations, ASEAN, APEC, ASEM, etc. These great achievements further demonstrate the historical significance of the Paris Agreement and the value of the truth that President Ho Chi Minh affirmed: “Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom. When the day of victory comes, our people will rebuild our country to be more dignified and more beautiful.”
In an emotional atmosphere, Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh, former Vice President, former Minister of Foreign Affairs, former Head of the Delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam at the Paris Conference, recalled memories of the process of participating in the negotiations of the Paris Agreement. "At the end of 1968, I was instructed by the Party to participate in the negotiations in Paris. I am very grateful to the leaders for their trust and entrusting me with this great responsibility. For nearly 5 years, I participated in the negotiations in Paris. I completed my mission, being one of the 4 people who signed the Paris Agreement," she said.
The head of the delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam participating in the negotiations and signing of the Paris Agreement commented: "The Paris Agreement was a decisive victory leading to the liberation of the South and the unification of the country, the result of nearly 20 years of fierce and arduous war of the entire nation." She also expressed gratitude to the soldiers and compatriots who sacrificed their lives for the cause of fighting against the US and saving the country.
According to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh, the Paris Agreement was a victory of Vietnam's military, political and diplomatic struggle, as well as a victory of the world movement supporting and uniting with Vietnam. "It can be said that the world's strong solidarity and support has given Vietnam more strength on the battlefield as well as at the negotiating table," Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh emphasized.
Affirming that the decisive factor for the success of the Paris Agreement was the skillful leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the Party and State leaders, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh expressed her pride in the Vietnamese people and the glorious Party; believing that under the wise leadership and fine traditions of the Vietnamese people, the country will develop strongly and sustainably.
Comrade Ha Dang, a member of the Negotiation Delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, pointed out that the US signing of the Paris Agreement placed Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh's position as Foreign Minister on par with that of US Secretary of State William P. Rogers. That was also the US's recognition of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, and recognition of the independence and autonomy of the Vietnamese people.
Emphasizing that the signing of the Paris Agreement was a victory for Vietnamese diplomacy, comrade Ha Dang was moved because the celebration was also a worthy honor for the great contributions of the diplomatic sector, "although two are one, although one is two" according to President Ho Chi Minh's ideology, regardless of whether it was the delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam or the delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam.
Speaking at the ceremony, Ms. Hélène Luc, Honorary Senator and Honorary President of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, affirmed that although 50 years have passed since the signing of the Paris Agreement on January 27, 1973, her feelings and joy remain intact.
According to her, the whole world joyfully welcomed the victory of the Vietnamese people, a victory that was forged from the heroic spirit of the people and from the support of the Soviet Union and China as well as the support of peace-loving forces around the world.
Ms. Hélène Luc recalled: “I still clearly remember the face of Minister Xuan Thuy and his historic smile, the smile of Mr. Le Duc Tho with a hint of anxiety. He was the person in charge of communication between Hanoi and the city of Choisy-le-Roy (where the two negotiating delegations lived). I also clearly remember the beautiful face of Ms. Nguyen Thi Binh. They conquered the hearts of the French people with their courage, perseverance and intelligence.”
She also reviewed the close coordination between the negotiating delegations of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam and the French Communist Party: “Specifically, it is necessary to ensure the best living and working conditions for the negotiating delegations with members who are living far from their families. Furthermore, it is necessary to launch a solidarity movement to support the negotiating delegation. This is not only to encourage the delegation’s spirit, but also to show the Americans the support, not only of France, but also of Europe, America and the whole world, for the Vietnamese people.”
She emphasized the support of French politicians and people for the Vietnamese delegation in the negotiations of the Paris Agreement. General Charles De Gaulle, who was responsible for the outbreak of the Indochina War in 1954, warned the US President: "You should not take risks in this war, you will never win!". He also gave valuable political support to the Vietnamese delegation with the participation of the Director of the Asia-Australia Department, Foreign Ministry Froment Maurice and Foreign Minister Maurice Schumann, and material and security support for the delegation.
Speaking on behalf of the youth of the Diplomatic sector at the ceremony, Secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Dong Anh expressed his emotion, respect and pride in the heroic history of the nation. He said that the youth of the Diplomatic sector are deeply aware of their responsibility and must strive to preserve and promote those great revolutionary achievements.
Accordingly, the young people of Diplomacy are always proactive, volunteer, and strive to contribute with their youth and enthusiasm, not afraid of difficulties or hardships, volunteering to work in difficult areas, actively and successfully implementing foreign affairs tasks, especially expanding and deepening relations with partners, vaccine diplomacy, economic diplomacy, cultural diplomacy, protecting the Party's independence, sovereignty and ideological foundation, protecting citizens and working with Vietnamese people abroad...
In the new context and tasks, many new requirements are placed on young diplomatic officers, but the core must still start from training political and ideological qualities, cultivating ethics, lifestyle, spirit of dedication, having love for the homeland, people, and culture of Vietnam, and always nurturing the noble aspirations of youth.
The 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement not only arouses national pride, reviews and educates the glorious tradition of Vietnam's revolutionary diplomacy, but also helps today's young generation of Diplomats to deeply study and creatively apply historical lessons learned from the Paris Conference; to live, study and work in a way that is worthy of their predecessors.
The Secretary of the Youth Union of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said that today's young generation of Diplomacy always remembers and is forever grateful for the contributions of the previous generation, determined and promised to continuously strive to study and train their mettle to follow in the footsteps of previous generations, become soldiers on the front line, maintain a peaceful and stable environment, protect independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity; pioneer in building a professional, comprehensive and modern diplomatic sector, contributing their utmost to realizing the aspirations, visions and goals of developing a strong and prosperous Vietnam as wished by the great President Ho Chi Minh./.
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