The 17th South China Sea International Conference is themed “Unity in Uncertainties”. Photo: Vinh Thong/VOV-Central Region

The conference held on Monday and Tuesday in Da Nang city by Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, has the exchange session between ambassadors of countries in Vietnam, who discuss shared responsibilities for peace. The event is gathering 50 speakers who are leading experts, more than 300 delegates and ambassadors from nearly 40 countries and territories and more than 200 online delegates.

Nguyen Manh Cuong, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, delivers the opening speech. Photo: Vinh Thong/VOV-Central Region

In his opening speech, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Nguyen Manh Cuong praised the choice of the theme as “Unity in Uncertainties” which he said reflects the reality and demonstrates common aspirations.

Vietnam emphasizes the importance of maintaining regional peace and stability, and upholds the central role of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Dr. Cuong said, adding Vietnam is committed to resolving disputes peacefully, building trust and managing differences responsibly.

Vietnam is ready to cooperate with all partners to ensure that common seas are seas of peace, stability and prosperity, according to the Deputy FM. 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, he said.

Delegates attending the conference. Photo: Vinh Thong/VOV-Central Region

In her video address at the conference, Seema Malhotra, British Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Indo-Pacific, said the UK backs the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and the ASEAN Maritime Outlook.

The UK also backs the Code of Conduct (COC) negotiation process for the South China Sea and will continue to demonstrate its commitment to peace and stability in the region and at sea, maintain a naval presence, and enhance cooperation with regional partners, she added.

On the sidelines of the conference, the Young Leaders Program continues to bring fresh perspectives from the next generation of scholars on East Sea issues through a special session titled The Power of Youth: Strengthening Unity in Times of Uncertainty.