(VOVworld) – 40 years ago today, the Paris Accords on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam was signed, concluding the longest and most difficult diplomatic struggle in Vietnam’s diplomatic history in the 20th century. It marked the nation’s victory in politics, military and diplomacy over the US aggressors. The signed Paris Accords were a great victory of the Vietnamese people in the battlefield and at negotiation tables, forcing the US to withdraw from Vietnam and Indochina, paving the way for the total liberation of the South and national unification.
Activities are underway throughout Vietnam to mark the historical event, including a grand meeting in Hanoi in the presence of top Party and State leaders. President Troung Tan Sang said 1973 Paris Accords were a great encouragement for peace and justice advocates around the world, who had accompanied and supported Vietnam in the country’s long struggle and the negotiating process for the Paris Accords. He highlighted five major lessons drawn from the Paris Conference and the Paris Accords. They were the Party’s lucid leadership with resilient diplomatic policy of independence, self-control, applying creatively President Ho Chi Minh’s diplomatic guideline, harmonizing Vietnam’s relations with major nations, and tapping the national and international solidarity.
The Vietnam Union of Friendship Organizations on Sunday hosted a round-table discussion entitled “Meeting historical witnesses”. Participants recalled the significance of the Paris Accords and international friends’ support for Vietnam. Ha Van Lau, former advisor and Deputy Head of the negotiating delegation of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam, said:“In our tactics of fighting and negotiating, there were 3 important factors that led to the victory of the Paris Accords. It was our victory at the battlefield and the support from international friends. We were supported because we struggled for justice".
Radio the Voice of Vietnam on Sunday broadcast a special program entitled “The pinnacle of Vietnam’s diplomatic victory”. The 6-hour-program highlighted the significance of the signing of Paris Accords.
Hanoi city is hosting a number of events to mark the event, including an exchange with international friends, a photo exhibition and a tree planting ceremony.