Together we overcome uncertainty for a peaceful, stable and prosperous East Sea

On November 3, the 17th International Scientific Conference on the East Sea with the theme “Solidarity in Uncertainty” co-organized by the Diplomatic Academy and partner agencies opened in Da Nang. The event brought together nearly 50 leading domestic and international speakers, along with more than 300 delegates from nearly 40 countries and territories, to share perspectives, promote dialogue and cooperation for a peaceful, stable and prosperous East Sea.

The 17th International Scientific Conference on the East Sea with the theme "Solidarity in uncertainty".

Speaking at the opening of the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, said that after 16 years of organization, the workshop has become a center for promoting growth and connection, contributing to strengthening peace, stability and prosperity, not only in the East Sea but also in the maritime space at the regional and global levels.

In the context of a world with many seismic shifts, rapid fluctuations and uncertainties, promoting and further dialogue is urgent to enhance understanding, build trust, reduce risks, and remove ambiguity from miscalculations or misunderstandings. Dialogue will contribute to strengthening common understanding of the “rules of the game” and codes of conduct, thereby connecting countries and communities in the region and the world.

In his opening remarks at the workshop, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong said that today’s world is more “fragile” than ever, with global challenges such as conflicts and wars emerging. The principles established after World War II such as multilateralism, compliance with international law, and cooperation for common interests are showing signs of “erosion”. The Asia-Pacific, which is the most dynamic region, is also not immune to “winds of uncertainty” and the East Sea is a mirror reflecting regional and global fluctuations. In the midst of uncertainty, there are still many opportunities for countries to affirm the factors that promote cohesion, such as dialogue, cooperation, and compliance with international law.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong delivered a keynote speech at the workshop.

Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong affirmed that Vietnam is always consistent with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development. Vietnam emphasizes the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, and the central role of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982). Vietnam is committed to cooperating with all partners to ensure that common seas are peaceful, stable and prosperous. Vietnam is proud to be one of the first 60 countries to ratify and approve the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), demonstrating its sustainable commitment to international law and multilateralism.

Ms. Seema Malhotra, Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific, UK Foreign Office and UK Minister for Education, delivered a video presentation to the Conference. Accordingly, she welcomed the upgrading of relations between Vietnam and the UK, saying that the UK-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will open up new opportunities for cooperation, including maritime security cooperation.

Ms. Seema Malhotra assessed that the South China Sea plays an important role for maritime trade, livelihoods and prosperity in the region. Recent dangerous incidents in the South China Sea have raised serious concerns about the risk of escalating tensions in the region. The UK opposes actions that are aggressive or undermine international law, emphasizing that maritime zones in the South China Sea must be determined and resolved peacefully, in accordance with UNCLOS 1982.

Ms. Seema Malhotra, Deputy Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific region, delivered a video introduction to the Conference.

The UK also always respects and appreciates ASEAN's central role in maintaining stability in the region; continues to support the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Maritime Vision; supports the negotiation process of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC), in which the COC must respect UNCLOS and reflect the legitimate interests of all parties. Ms. Seema Malhotra affirmed that the UK will continue to demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability in the region and the East Sea, maintain its naval presence and strengthen cooperation with partners in the region.

The conference took place over two days, November 3-4, focusing on discussing developments in the East Sea, major power strategy and competition, development trends of marine technology, ASEAN's leadership role and the importance of UNCLOS 1982 for stability at sea. A new feature of this year's conference was the Conversation Session between Ambassadors of countries in Vietnam, discussing shared responsibilities for peace. On the sidelines of the conference, the Young Leaders Program continued to bring new vitality of the next generation in researching the situation in the East Sea with a special session "The power of the young generation: Strengthening solidarity, overcoming uncertainty".

Source: https://thoidai.com.vn/cung-nhau-vuot-qua-bat-dinh-vi-mot-bien-dong-hoa-binh-on-dinh-va-thinh-vuong-217404.html