(VOVworld) – A forum to examine General Vo Nguyen Giap and the Dien Bien Phu victory (1954-2014) took place at the Museum of Living History in Montreuil, France, on Saturday.

At the forum in Montreuil, France. (Photo: Vietnam+)

The event was chaired by historian Alain Ruscio, former reporter for L’Humanite newspaper in Vietnam from 1978-1980, and former French Ambassador to Vietnam Claude Blanchemaison. Ruscio analysed the historical background of the Dien Bien Phu campaign and highlighted the role of General Giap in the triumph, which marked a turning point in the 20^th century struggle for independence and decolonization around the globe. Ruscio said the French army’s defeat in the Dien Bien Phu campaign was a result of underestimating the strength of the Vietnamese troops. Blanchemaison recalled his time in Vietnam. Participants talked about Vietnam’s post-war development and the growing partnership between Vietnam and France.