Statement on Vietnam Peace Agreement on January 24, 1973

The people of Pakistan hail the Agreement which has brought to an end the war in Vietnam.

It honors an epic struggle lasting for three decades and crowning a whole series of glorious national movements.

No people have struggled so long, so consistently and against such overwhelming odds as have the brave people of Vietnam. No country has been so ravaged by war as Vietnam. NO war has been more devastating than the war of liberation in Vietnam. It has indeed been a struggle without parallel.

Today the war has ended. The Government and people of Pakistan share in the rejoicing of the people of Vietnam. Their struggle has not only some honor to their nation but has restored Asia’s pride and rehabilitated Asia’s self-respect, which suffered much from long years of colonial rule.

The Agreement on Vietnam also reflects the vision and statesmanship of the leadership of the United States, not only has it brought to an end a war of staggering proportions, but, in addition, promises to usher in a new era of relations between the United States and Asia. The relationship can now blossom into one of mutual benefit.

The world will look back with satisfaction on this monumental Agreement as a turning point in modern history.