Geneva Agreement marks important milestone in world, Vietnam's history: UPEACE Ambassador
The signing of the Geneva Agreement on Indochina 70 years ago marked an important milestone in the history of the world in general and Vietnam in particular, according to David Fernandez Puyana, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of UN University for Peace (UPEACE) to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva.
An overview of the Geneva Conference in 1954 (Photo: VNA)
Geneva (VNA) - The signing of the Geneva Agreement on Indochina 70 years ago marked an important milestone in the history of the world in general and Vietnam in particular, according to David Fernandez Puyana, Ambassador, Permanent Observer of UN University for Peace (UPEACE) to the UN and other international organisations in Geneva.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA) there on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the agreement, he said that it demonstrates an important progress in the United Nations (UN) globalisation process.
The official noted that the UN was founded in 1944 with only 54 independent countries but today it has nearly 200 member countries.
He said he believes this process represents part of the development history of the UN, which is directly related to colonialism. After the Geneva Agreement, there was a collapse of the colonial system, with a series of Asian-African colonialised countries gaining independence in the late 1950s and early 1960s. This is a great success of many countries, he commented.
The Geneva Conference on Indochina began on May 8, 1954. After 75 days of complicated and intense negotiations with 31 sessions, the Geneva Agreement was signed with contents directly related to Vietnam, including participating States’ respect for the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, no interference in the countries’ internal affairs, ceasefire on the entire Indochina battlefield, and the French coalition army's withdrawal from Indochina, he noted.
He held that looking back to the 70-year agreement will help draw valuable lessons and experience for modern Vietnamese diplomacy.
Commenting on Vietnam's bamboo diplomacy strategy and the “four no's” policy of Vietnam, which clarify the country's neutrality without siding with one country against another, the ambassador underlined that it represents a new diplomatic method. He welcomed Vietnam's policies, especially those on upholding independence and self-reliance, which match the UN principles, prioritising dialogue and the flexible settlements of issues.
☂ Despite challenges, these policies show the world that Vietnam is a peace-loving country that always attaches much importance to dialogue, stated the UPEACE Ambassador, describing this as an important model in peace building./.
Vanxay Tavinyan, Vice Chairman of the Lao People’s Revolutionary Party (LPRP) Central Committee’s Commission for Propaganda and Training, has emphasised the epochal significance of the 1954 Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam, as well as the role of the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) in the signing of the document.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of National Defence and the Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences (VASS) on July 19 co-organised a scientific seminar entitled "70 years of the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam" (July 21, 1954 - 2024).
General Secretary of the Communist Party of Argentina (PCA), Jorge Kreyness has emphasised that the negotiation and signing of the Geneva Agreement on the Cessation of Hostilities in Vietnam (July 21, 1954-2024) on July 21, 1954 is not only an important milestone and a victory in the national liberation struggle of the Vietnamese people but also a historic event and an example for other countries around the world to follow.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
The ministry has instructed Vietnamese representative agencies in Israel, Iran, as well as those in neighbouring countries, to closely monitor the situation and request local authorities to ensure absolute safety for Vietnamese citizens living, studying, and working in high-risk areas.
Senior Vietnamese leaders on June 19 sent letters of congratulations to New Zealand leaders on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of Vietnam – New Zealand diplomatic relations (June 19, 1975 – 2025).
