At the age of 98, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh sat down with us to reflect on her years of revolutionary activity, her thoughts on the future of the country, and her hopes for younger generations.
In a warm room at the heart of Hanoi, former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh sat waiting for us on a sofa. She wore an ivory-white blazer, her silver hair neatly combed, her face glowing. This rare interview with reporters from VietNamNet took place on the occasion of her 98th birthday (May 26).
With her central Vietnamese accent and occasional humorous remarks, she made the conversation intimate and comforting.
Former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh.
"On the day of the signing, the sun broke through in Paris"
Recently, during major national commemorations, photos and videos of you at the Paris Peace Accords negotiations more than 50 years ago have been widely shared online. Your memoir “Family, Friends, and the Nation” was also recently reprinted to great reception. How do you feel about that?
I wrote that memoir almost 20 years ago and have revised it a few times, most recently around the 50th anniversary of Vietnam’s reunification. The book captures major events, thoughts, and sentiments from my revolutionary years and after the country’s unification. I’ve also written some articles for the press.
I’m pleased that these images, articles, and the book are still well-received, especially by young readers. If they take the time to explore these materials, I hope they can draw some lessons for their own lives and work.
You were the only woman among four delegations. What were your thoughts when you signed the historic Paris Peace Accords?
In late 1968, I was instructed by the Party to join the negotiations in Paris. I was deeply grateful to the Party leaders for trusting me with such a major responsibility. That negotiation, from 1968 to 1973, is likely the longest in world history. When I left Hanoi, I had no idea that “special mission” would last so long.
As head of the delegation from the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, I had many advantages.
First and foremost, the heroic struggle of our people - a small nation standing up against the aggression of a major power. Then there was the immense support from international friends, who admired our resistance and viewed our delegation with great sympathy.
The preparatory meeting for the four-party conference was scheduled for November 6, 1968, but the US side delayed it under the pretext that the Saigon government wasn’t present. Another reason was procedural - especially the shape of the conference table and seating arrangements. No diplomatic negotiation in history has ever started with such an unusual debate.
For all of us in the two Vietnamese delegations, January 27, 1973, remains unforgettable. We worked late into the night finalizing and proofreading documents, but spirits were high.
Friends from Paris and neighboring countries sent congratulatory calls and floral tributes.
On the day of the signing, the sun finally emerged in Paris. The streets and the front of the conference hall on Avenue Kléber were packed with cheering crowds waving red-and-yellow flags.
Foreign Minister of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, Nguyen Thi Binh, signs the Paris Peace Accords to end the war and restore peace in Vietnam on January 27, 1973, at the International Conference Center in Paris, France. Photo: VNA.
When I placed my signature as the representative of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam, I felt deeply moved and honored. I thought of the South, our people, comrades, family, and friends on both sides of the country.
The Paris Peace Accords were a decisive victory that led to the liberation of the South and reunification - a result of nearly 20 years of arduous war for our nation.
I am forever grateful to President Ho Chi Minh and to the Party, the National Front, and the Revolutionary Government for entrusting me with such a challenging yet glorious mission.
You helped bring the Francophonie Summit to Vietnam in 1997, right after the embargo was lifted. That was the country’s first major international event. What do you remember from that time?
Former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh: "I always cherish those who remember me and love our country."
At the 6th Party Congress, Vietnam began comprehensive reform, including a foreign policy of proactive international cooperation. By the 7th Congress, we pursued diversified and multilateral diplomacy.
I knew French and had attended previous Francophonie summits, so I became familiar with many leaders. Hosting the summit was an opportunity for Vietnam to showcase its development and integration.
Despite material challenges, with support from international friends, we successfully built the venue at 11 Le Hong Phong Street and held the summit with distinction.
This raised Vietnam’s standing in the Francophonie significantly. Heads of state and government from nearly all member countries attended. President Tran Duc Luong gave the opening speech in French, and French President Jacques Chirac responded on behalf of the guests.
From that summit, the concept of an "economic Francophonie" became a reality and remains a key pillar today.
At a recent event commemorating 50 years of the country's reunification, an international guest insisted on meeting you. How did that make you feel?
On May 21, authorized by the General Secretary and President of Laos, Ambassador Khamphao Ernthavanh presented the First-Class Order of Freedom to former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh. Photo: Pham Hai.
During my five years in Paris, aside from the negotiations, I traveled extensively to promote Vietnam’s cause - from Europe to Africa and the Americas. We made the most of every opportunity to build solidarity and support for Vietnam.
Interestingly, despite our past conflict with France, it was in Paris that we found some of our dearest international friends.
After peace was restored, I was assigned various responsibilities by the Party and the State, holding multiple positions and engaging in people-to-people diplomacy, which allowed me to build many friendships around the world.
Some say I have the most foreign friends in Vietnam - and perhaps that's true. Many people around the world know Vietnam through me, and they admire both me and our country.
Now that I’m older and many of my friends have passed, I cherish those who still remember me and love our nation.
Madam Nguyen Thi Binh with her children and grandchildren.
This April, someone reached out to meet me - he connected through social media. He was the son of the late Algerian Prime Minister Redha Malek. Mr. Malek had served as Algeria’s Ambassador to France during the time I was involved in the Paris Peace Accords negotiations. Both he and the Algerian Embassy provided great support to our delegation. Back then, his son was only five years old. The fact that he still remembers me to this day is truly touching.
You’ve often been praised for your poised interviews with foreign media. How did you prepare for those situations?
First, you need a strong stance. Reporters can ask whatever they want, but you have the right to respond however you choose. The goal is to persuade them and help them understand Vietnam’s just struggle.
Many people get nervous under the flash of cameras or tough questioning. In those moments, we remained calm - firm but respectful. The press had great sympathy for us back then.
I’ve served in many roles, but I especially admire my colleague Xuan Thuy. He taught me valuable lessons in diplomacy.
“Happiness is knowing how to love and stay loyal”
On the political stage, you were known for your intelligence and grace. What is Nguyen Thi Binh like in everyday life?
Former Vice President Nguyen Thi Binh with her memoir "Family, Friends, and the Nation".
My husband passed nearly 40 years ago. Life now has joys and sorrows. The greatest joy is my family - I have two grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. But one of my children has health issues. And I’m getting old. I don’t know when I’ll rejoin Uncle Ho, my comrades, and my beloved husband. I just wish peace and health for my family - that’s my last wish.
Every day, I still watch television and read newspapers to stay updated on domestic news, and I particularly enjoy reading international news. I’ve also learned to use a mobile phone to read the news.
I love eating rice with braised fish, and my daily routine now follows a well-ordered schedule. I make an effort to exercise and walk around each day to keep my spirits up. Fortunately, I’m still able to see my children and grandchildren regularly - though, sadly, my hearing is not what it once was.
You once wrote: “I was happy because I married the one I loved.” A simple statement, but one that carries a lifetime’s meaning…
It should have been a secret, but I eventually shared it in my memoir. I devoted the opening chapter to it. To me, happiness is knowing how to love and being loyal.
My husband and I spent nine years apart - he was in the North, I was in the South. We waited for each other. That, to me, is happiness.
Even when I was away on assignments, my loved ones were always with me in spirit. Their support gave me strength. That was the happiness of my life.
“80 years of the country is my whole life”
When I think back to the days before 1945, I’m filled with emotion. I joined the revolution through the Viet Minh student movement. I lived through two wars of resistance. The past 80 years of this country - that’s my life.
Through 30 years of wars of resistance, our people never gave up on independence and unity. Today, peace must be protected. We’re healing from the war and building a new Vietnam.
Some may not be fully satisfied, but our nation has changed - more modern, more prosperous, more respected on the world stage.
Back when we were 18, the words “peace and independence” stirred our souls. Today’s youth have both. Their responsibility is to protect it and build a thriving nation.
We now partner with many countries, even former enemies. Vietnam’s principle is to be a friend to all, to strive for peace, independence, and development.
Cooperation with major powers is essential, but we must always uphold the principle that all countries must respect our independence, sovereignty, and political system.
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