The ministry of interior is seeking public feedback on its proposal to award Nguyen Thi Binh, the former vice president and former foreign minister of the provisional revolutionary government of the republic of South Vietnam, the prestigious labor hero title. The consultation, posted on the ministry's online portal, aligns with the emulation and commendation law and decree 152/2025.
On 7/8, the president's office submitted a proposal to the prime minister, requesting consideration for awarding Nguyen Thi Binh the labor hero title. The nomination aims to recognize her significant contributions to foreign affairs, especially during her tenure as foreign minister of the provisional revolutionary government from 1969 to 1976.
Nguyen Thi Binh, whose real name is Nguyen Thi Chau Sa, is 98 years old and hails from Quang Nam province. She joined the revolution in August 1945 at the age of 18. She studied at Lycee Sisowath in Cambodia, later pursued higher education in France, and graduated with a bachelor of arts degree from Hanoi University.
In late 1968, she represented the National Liberation Front of South Vietnam at the Paris Peace Conference. Following the establishment of the provisional revolutionary government of the republic of South Vietnam in June 1969, she was appointed foreign minister and head of the negotiation delegation at the Paris Peace Talks.
The Paris Peace Talks were a protracted negotiation, spanning 4 years, 8 months, and 16 days, encompassing over 200 official meetings, 45 private meetings, over 500 press conferences, and thousands of interviews. Binh, along with advisor Le Duc Tho and Xuan Thuy, formed a "negotiating trio" that garnered significant international attention and goodwill.
Continued military victories on the battlefield strengthened Vietnam's position at the negotiating table, compelling the opposing side to accept key terms. This led to the signing of the Paris Peace Accords on 27/1/1973, ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam. Binh was the only woman to sign the agreement.
The former foreign minister has stated that while military victories were crucial in influencing negotiations, the Paris Peace Accords were indispensable to the victory on 30/4/1975. The astute diplomats, under the party's leadership, proactively and skillfully conducted negotiations, leading to concessions from the opposing side. The signing of the Paris Peace Accords marked a high point in the history of Vietnamese diplomacy.
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Nguyen Thi Binh (left) speaks at the 50th anniversary of the signing of the Paris Peace Accords, in Hanoi, January 2023. Photo: BNG |
She also secured official recognition for the provisional revolutionary government from over 20 countries and numerous international progressive movements, significantly expanding its diplomatic relations and laying the groundwork for national reunification after 1975.
Binh's record includes the national emulation fighter title in 1974; the Ho Chi Minh order, the first-class military exploit order, and the first-class order of resistance against America in 2001; the great national unity order in 2013; and Laos's first-class freedom order in 2025.
The labor hero title is awarded to individuals with exceptional achievements in labor and innovation, contributing to national prosperity, strength, social equity, democracy, and civilization. Recipients demonstrate loyalty to the socialist republic of Vietnam and embody revolutionary ethics and qualities.
Hong Chieu
