The international scientific conference with the theme “Paris Agreement 1973: Looking back 40 years” was organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities in collaboration with Vietnamese scientists and experts from the University of Paris I, the Institute of Military History of the Ministry of National Defense, the University of Monperllier, the University of Lyon (France), the University of Hawaii Pacific (USA), the University of Greifswald (Germany) on January 17, 2013.The workshop was attended by international experts and scientists: Dr. Pierre Journoud - Institute for Strategic Studies, Military Academy, Ministry of National Defense, Republic of France; Professor Jean-Christophe Noel - Policy Planning Expert of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Republic of France; Professor Pierre Asselin - Hawaii Pacific University; Professor Antoine Coppolani - Paul-Valéry University, Montpellier 3; Professor Michael North - Greifswald University. Vietnamese researchers and scientists from universities and research institutes across the country. In particular, the workshop had the presence of witnesses who directly participated in the Paris Agreement negotiation process: Ms. Ton Nu Thi Ninh - former Vice Chairman of the National Assembly's Foreign Affairs Committee; Mr. Nguyen Khac Huynh - former Ambassador, member of the Paris negotiation delegation. The workshop focused on discussing a number of main contents: Historical context and balance of power between the two sides leading to the Paris Conference and Agreement; The interests of the US, the Soviet Union, China and other countries in the process of the Paris Agreement The results and significance of the Paris Agreement in the victory of Vietnam and the world peace forces. The Paris Agreement after 40 years of looking back, former ambassador, member of the negotiating delegation Nguyen Khac Huynh affirmed: The Paris negotiations were a power struggle between two diplomatic systems. The Paris Agreement was the most important diplomatic victory of Vietnam in all ages. One issue that he said no one had mentioned was: The Paris Agreement was a total victory, a victory that brought a decisive victory to the resistance war against the US. The source of victory was the struggle on three fronts, diplomacy was placed as a front of struggle with strategic significance.
From the 1973 Paris Agreement, Ms. Ton Nu Thi Ninh drew lessons in resolving current regional and international conflicts and contradictions: gathering forces, identifying the interests of all parties. Especially the interests of the nation and people are above all. And in the modern era, the spirit, creativity and flexibility need to be further promoted.
The presentations and opinions of international and Vietnamese scientists at the conference all affirmed: The Paris Agreement has become a symbol of the spirit of "Nothing is more precious than independence and freedom" of the Vietnamese people, of the national liberation movement, of people who love peace and justice all over the world. Many other opinions focused on emphasizing: The Paris Agreement is a historical event of great importance that contributed to the victory of the long, arduous and persistent struggle of the Vietnamese people. At the same time, this is also an event that contains many lessons about diplomacy, military, and the art of negotiation and compromise.
The presentations and opinions at the conference have provided practical and useful experiences and lessons in resolving conflicts, disputes and local wars based on diplomatic activities and negotiations in the current regional and international context. The scientific conference “Paris Agreement: 40 years in review” is one of the practical activities of the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, aiming to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam (January 27, 1973 - January 27, 2013).
