Việt Minh communist People's Republic of China gave the Việt Minh both sheltered bases and heavy weapons with which to fight the French. With the additional weapons, the Việt Minh were able to take control over many rural areas of the country. Soon after that, they began to advance towards the French-occupied areas. Following their defeat at the Battle of Điện Biên Phủ, the French began negotiations to leave Vietnam. As a result of peace accords worked out at the Geneva Conference in Geneva, Switzerland, Vietnam was divided into North Vietnam and South Vietnam at the 17th Parallel as a temporary measure
Agreement on Special Parallel Relations Agreement, made in 3 (three) identical copies, at Belgrade, on 28 February 1997. For the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia: Zoran Lilic President of the Federal Republic of Yugoslavia. For Republika Srpska: Momcilo Krajisnik President of Republika Srpska on the Presidency of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Agreement on Special Parallel Relations The Agreement on Special Parallel Relations is a cooperation agreement between Republic of Serbia and Republic of Srpska ("Republika Srpska", an entity in Bosnia & Herzegovina), signed for the first time in February 28, 1997, to develop better relations between the two. A "Council for Cooperation between Serbia and the Republic