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Publication Date : 28-01-2013

A reunion of international friends who were involved in the success of the Paris Agreement signing 40 years ago took place in Hanoi on Saturday.

At the event, 30 delegates from 14 countries and international organisations recalled the years they stood side by side with Vietnam in its struggle for national liberation.

They also recalled their support to the two Vietnamese negotiation delegations of the Government of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam and the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam at the Paris conference four decades ago.

Ramsey Clark, former US Justice Secretary, recollected his participation in a fact-finding visit of international delegates to northern Vietnam in August, 1972, to show support for Vietnamese people's struggle for peace, national independence and reunification.

In a soft Vietnamese tone, Andre Marcel Menras spoke of his honour at becoming the first foreigner to receive Vietnamese citizenship.

The Vietnamese name Ho Cuong Quyet came to him during his two and a half-year period in prison in south Vietnam from 1970 due to his activities to protest against US troops.

After his release, he continued to take part in activities to support Vietnam.

One way or another, foreign friends made their contribution to the signing of the Paris Agreement.

Michel Strachinescu, a French driver for the Vietnamese delegation four decades ago, said he would never forget his time with Nguyen Thi Binh, former head of the negotiation delegation of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam.

Delegates from Afro-Asian People's Solidarity, the World Peace Council and the All India Peace and Solidarity Organisation shared their sentiments for people from around the world who supported Vietnam in the lead up to the signing of the Paris Agreement on Jan 27, 1973.

They remembered their support to Vietnam after the historic day and during the current national construction and development, as well as their efforts to deal with the aftermath of war such as unexploded mines and Agent Orange.

On behalf of the Vietnamese people, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh thanked the guests and affirmed that the Vietnamese people would always remember the support from millions of international friends during Vietnam's just struggle for peace, national independence and reunification. She said she hopes that they would continue to stand with Vietnam during its national construction and development.