Hanoi (VNA) – The Foreign Ministry and Vietnam NewsAgency Publishing House have published a photo book entitled “Diplomat NguyenCo Thach”, on the occasion of his 100th birth anniversary (May 15).

The bilingual 212-page book, in Vietnamese and English,depicts his life and career in four parts: his childhood (1921-1940),revolutionary career from 1940-1954, achievements as a talented and creativediplomat from 1954-1998, and his noble personality.

The book also contains around 300 photos about the veterandiplomat.

It is a gift in recognition of Thach’s contributions to thecause of national construction and defence, which helps educate younggenerations, particular those working in the diplomatic sector, in patriotismand national pride.

Nguyen Co Thach was born in 1921 into a family withrevolutionary tradition in Lien Minh commune, Vu Ban district, the northernprovince of Nam Dinh. During his engagement in revolutionary struggle, he drewrich experience and took initiatives to overcome challenges. He used to takeimportant positions such as a member of the Politburo, Vice Chairman of theCouncil of Ministers and Foreign Minister, leaving a profound imprint on theVietnamese diplomatic sector in modern time.

Not trained as a diplomat, Thach was appointed as VietnameseConsul General in India for the first time in 1956. He then was considered an“outsider” and had to communicate via an interpreter. But he quickly learnt to speakand write English fluently. By 1973, he had already become known amonginternational diplomats after demonstrating excellent negotiating skills duringrounds of negotiations on Paris Agreement ending the Vietnam War.

Following national reunification, the period from 1979-1991was one of the most challenging for the Vietnamese diplomacy when the countrywas under embargo. With a strategic vision, Thach made outstandingcontributions via offering advices to the Party and State about measures to breakthe embargo, outline a new diplomatic strategy and economic policies in serviceof national reform.

Throughout over six decades of active revolutionaryactivities, in any position, Thach always demonstrated the spirit of a loyaland mettlesome communist soldier who worked all for national benefits, and successfullyfulfilled assigned tasks. He has left fine impressions on Vietnamese comrades,families and international friends. In daily life, he was a simple and humane personwith deep affection for the family and homeland./.