The international scientific conference with the theme “Paris Agreement 1973: 40 years in review” was organized by the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, Vietnamese scientists in collaboration with 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), and 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 negotiation process of the Paris Agreement: Ms. Ton Nu Thi Ninh - former Vice Chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee of the National Assembly; 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 Conference and the Paris 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's peace forces. Looking back at the Paris Agreement after 40 years, former ambassador and 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 of all time. An issue that no one has mentioned, according to him, is: The Paris Agreement's overall victory brought a decisive victory to the resistance war against the US. The origin of the victory was the struggle on three fronts, diplomacy was placed as a strategic front of struggle.
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. In particular, the interests of the nation and people are paramount. 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 significance 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 Workshop 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 workshop “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).
