The 17th International Scientific Conference on the East Sea: Solidarity in Uncertainty

In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong highly appreciated the choice of this year's conference theme "Solidarity in Uncertainty" which reflects the reality of the times and demonstrates common aspirations.

The Deputy Minister said that the world today is more “fragile” than ever, with global challenges such as conflicts and wars. The principles established after World War II such as multilateralism, compliance with international law, and cooperation for the common good are showing signs of “erosion”. The Asia- Pacific region, which is the most dynamic region, cannot avoid “uncertain winds” and the East Sea is a mirror reflecting regional and global fluctuations.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Manh Cuong delivered the opening speech at the workshop. Photo: GX

Deputy Minister Nguyen Manh Cuong emphasized that amid uncertainty, there are still many opportunities for countries to affirm the factors that promote cohesion, which are dialogue, cooperation and compliance with international law. Vietnam has always been consistent with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development, emphasizing the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability.

At the same time, Vietnam also promotes the central role of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam is committed to peacefully resolving disputes, building trust and responsibly managing differences; and is ready to cooperate with all partners to ensure that the common seas are seas of peace, stability and prosperity. 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 enduring commitment to international law and multilateralism.

Ms. Seema Malhotra, Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific region, Foreign Office and Minister of Education of the UK, welcomed the upgrading of relations between Vietnam and the UK.

According to her, the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two countries will open up new opportunities for cooperation, including maritime security cooperation; affirming the UK's long-term commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific region, supporting peace, prosperity, regional stability and international principles.

Delegates take souvenir photos at the conference. Photo: GX

Ms. Malhotra affirmed that the East Sea plays an important role in maritime trade, livelihoods and prosperity of the region, and recent incidents in the East Sea have caused deep concern about the risk of escalating tensions in the region.

Expressing Britain's opposition to aggressive actions or undermining international law, she stressed that maritime zones in the East Sea must be determined and resolved peacefully, in compliance with UNCLOS.

"The UK always respects and appreciates ASEAN's central role in maintaining stability in the region and continues to support the ASEAN vision 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. Malhotra said.

On November 3 and 4, delegates at the conference focused on discussing developments in the East Sea, major power strategy and competition, the development trend of marine technology, ASEAN's leadership role and the importance of UNCLOS for maritime stability. The conference brought together nearly 50 speakers who are politicians and leading experts at home and abroad, along with the online participation of many prestigious international scholars.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/hoi-thao-khoa-hoc-quoc-te-ve-bien-dong-lan-thu-17-doan-ket-trong-bat-dinh-2458939.html