A get-together with international friends, who had a direct and indirect part in the success of the signing of the Paris Agreement 40 years ago, was held in Hanoi on January 26.

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, as well as 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 just struggle for peace, national independence and reunification.

In a soft Vietnamese tone, Andre Marcel Menras spoke of his honour of 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 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 will never forget his time with Madam 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 January 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 ordnance and Agent Orange.

On behalf of the Vietnamese people, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh thanked the guests and affirmed that the Vietnamese people will 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 will continue to stand with Vietnam during its national construction and development.-VNA