This spring, diplomat Ton Nu Thi Ninh turns 78. Despite her age, she still shows her elegance and composure of a seasoned female politician.
The first meeting with her left an unforgettable impression on reporters of the Vietnam People’s Army as she was invited to join a discussion with two guests from Switzerland, focusing on historical events related to the Paris Peace Accords to put an end to the war and restore peace in Vietnam. The conversation mentioned the complex political context at the time, including the U.S. power transition from President Johnson to President Nixon and global antiwar movements supporting Vietnam.
When the interpreter had trouble with the intricate dialogue, Mrs. Ninh seamlessly stepped in, leveraging her fluent French and deep knowledge of diplomatic and political history. Not only did she take over as interpreter and discussion leader, but she also gracefully asked to put aside her personal insights, ensuring the spotlight remained on the guests.
In spite of her age, she continues to update herself on current affairs daily, thereby offering sharp insights into global events. Before attending any event she is invited to, she carefully researches individuals and details related to the event, ensuring everything runs as smoothly and effectively as possible.
Graduated from two prestigious universities, the University of Paris in France and the University of Cambridge in the U.K., fluent in English and French, and well aware of the political system of the U.S. and the West, Mrs. Ninh has held important positions, including Vietnam’s Ambassador to Belgium and the European Union (E.U.) and Vice Chair of the National Assembly’s External Affairs Committee. She is considered one of Vietnam’s most distinguished female diplomats, with significant contributions to the nation’s diplomacy.
Few know the story of how Mrs. Ninh worked in the field of diplomacy. In 1978, while serving as Deputy Dean of the Foreign Languages Faculty at Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, she had an opportunity to attend the World Festival of Youth and Students in Cuba, together with Xuan Thuy, then Head of the Party’s Central Foreign Affairs Commission.
Xuan Thuy remembered her as a dynamic woman who had assisted Vietnam’s delegation during the Paris Peace Accords. Upon returning to Vietnam, he revealed a plan to assign her to work in the foreign affairs sector in Hanoi. Surprised and hesitant, she expressed her doubts, but Xuan Thuy persuaded her: “You are doing well in education, but others can excel there too. Meanwhile, foreign affairs urgently need someone fluent in languages and familiar with Western culture and thinking.” And so, her journey in diplomacy began.
Over decades in diplomacy, Mrs. Ninh has built an image of a female politician who is at times gentle and composed, yet also resolute and fearless when needed. During a working trip to the U.S., in a meeting with Loretta Sanchez, a tough-minded congresswoman representing Orange County, California, a well-known anti-communist stronghold among the Vietnamese community, she shared: “Both you and I are elected by voters, so we must listen to them. But that does not mean we must always follow their viewpoints. A leader must not only listen but also lead and promote advancements while eradicating outdated or incorrect ideas. So why are you siding with voters who oppose the development of Vietnam - U.S. relations?”
Congresswoman Sanchez smiled awkwardly. By the end of the exchange, she embraced the Vietnamese diplomat, showing her respect for a representative from a small nation that once stood against the U.S. and gained victory.
In February 1990, Mrs. Ninh accompanied Deputy Chairman of the Council of Ministers (now known as Deputy Prime Minister) Vo Van Kiet to the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland. During the trip, comrade Vo Van Kiet assigned her to reach out to Nguyen Van Hao, a former Deputy Prime Minister of the Saigon government known for his efforts to retain 16 tons of gold in the national treasury, preventing it from being taken abroad by Saigon officials, to arrange a meeting with comrade Vo Van Kiet.
Comrade Vo Van Kiet expressed his desire to invite Nguyen Van Hao back to Vietnam and find ways to attract foreign investment into Vietnam. Later, Nguyen Van Hao played a key role in luring investment for one of Vietnam’s premier international hotels - Park Hyatt Saigon.
“Sound leaders, like comrade Vo Van Kiet, always value individuals who are deeply committed to the nation. They are the ones who inspire aspiration to contribute to the prosperity of the country and its people,” underscored Mrs. Ninh.
Translated by Minh Anh