Opening session of the 14th International Conference on the East Sea themed "Peaceful sea, sustainable recovery". Photo: VOV

In his opening remarks, Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Pham Quang Hieu  affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy on the East Sea that is to fully respect and comply with the provisions of international law, especially the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and settle disputes by peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the Charter of the United Nations, in order to promote maritime cooperation.

Vietnam attaches great importance to the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas and marine resources, the official stressed, adding maintaining peace at sea is the prerequisite for sustainable recovery after the COVID-19 pandemic.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu delivers the opening speech. Photo: VOV

The Deputy Minister suggested that the international community put forward creative solutions to improve transparency and promote strategic trust between stakeholders. He said that it is necessary to take specific actions to maintain political stability and economic recovery, and take initiatives to promote multilateralism, especially the central role of ASEAN.

“This year’ marks 40 years of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. The symposium reiterates the importance of the Law in setting out a comprehensive legal framework for sea and ocean issues, including the sustainable preservation and use of sea and ocean resources,” Hieu said. 

The conference gathers 40 speakers from 20 countries. Photo: VOV

Delegates discussed the impact of international and regional political movements on the situation in the waters; new developments of multilateralism; capacity building for mixed operations and code of conduct development on new fronts; and measures to boost cooperation, security and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region.

Overseas Vietnamese joined a designated session to contribute opinions to the building of Vietnam’s responsible and active membership in the international community.