The 17th International Scientific Conference on the East Sea in Da Nang

Vietnam emphasizes the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability; at the same time, upholds the central role of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

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 city.

The workshop was attended by Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, member of the Party Central Committee, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs; Associate Professor, Dr. Le Hai Binh, alternate member of the Party Central Committee, Permanent Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, and nearly 50 speakers who are leading and prestigious experts in Vietnam, in the region and internationally; more than 300 delegates, including 11 Ambassadors, from nearly 40 countries and territories, more than 200 delegates registered to attend online.

Opening the workshop, Dr. Nguyen Hung Son, Director of the Diplomatic Academy, said that the annual international workshop on the East Sea, after 16 years of organization, 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, minimize risks, and eliminate ambiguity from miscalculations or misunderstandings. Dialogue contributes to strengthening common understanding of the “rules of the game,” codes of conduct; thereby, connecting countries and communities in the region and the world.

In his opening speech at the Conference, Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, highly appreciated the choice of this year's Conference theme: "Solidarity in uncertainty" which reflects the reality of the times and also expresses common aspirations.

The Deputy Minister said that the world today is more "fragile" than ever, with global challenges such as conflicts and wars, and principles established after World War II such as multilateralism, compliance with international law, and cooperation for common interests are showing signs of being "eroded." 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 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; affirming that Vietnam is always consistent with its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, cooperation and development. Vietnam emphasizes the importance of maintaining peace and stability in the region; at the same time, it emphasizes 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.

Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong, member of the Party Central Committee and Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, speaks at the workshop. (Photo: Tran Le Lam/VNA)

Sharing at the workshop, Ms. Seema Malhotra, Minister in charge of the Indo-Pacific region, UK Foreign Office, and UK Minister for Education, welcomed the upgrade of the Vietnam-UK relationship and said that the UK-Vietnam Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will open up new cooperation opportunities, 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.

Ms. Seema Malhotra assessed that the East Sea plays an important role for maritime trade, livelihoods and prosperity of the region, recent dangerous incidents in the East Sea have caused deep concern about the risk of escalating tensions in the region. The UK opposes aggressive actions or weakening international law, emphasizing 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; 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 South China Sea (COC), in which the COC must respect UNCLOS and reflect the legitimate interests of all parties. The UK will continue to demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability in the region and the South China Sea, maintain its naval presence and enhance cooperation with partners in the region.

The 17th International Conference on the East Sea took place on November 3-4, focusing on discussing the situation in the East Sea, strategy and competition between major powers, the development trend of marine technology, the leadership role of ASEAN and the importance of UNCLOS for stability at sea. The new point of this year's Conference is the Chat Session between Ambassadors of countries in Vietnam, discussing shared responsibility for peace.

On the sidelines of the Workshop, the Young Leaders Program continued to bring new vitality of the next generation in researching the situation in the East Sea with the Special Session "Young Generation Strength: Strengthening Solidarity, Overcoming Uncertainty."

This year’s conference was held in Da Nang, one of the most dynamic and strategically located coastal cities in Vietnam. This is also an opportunity to promote the city’s image and potential, and to affirm Da Nang’s support and commitment to efforts to promote international cooperation, protect sovereignty over seas and islands, and develop the marine economy./.

(TTXVN/Vietnam+)

Source: https://www.vietnamplus.vn/hoi-thao-khoa-hoc-quoc-te-ve-bien-dong-lan-thu-17-tai-da-nang-post1074602.vnp