 Speakers at the workshop in Paris on June 10, 2023 (Photo: VNA) |
Patrice Jorland, Professor of History, former president of the France-Vietnam Friendship Association, said historical evidence shows that Vietnam asserted sovereignty over Truong Sa (Spratly) and Hoang Sa (Paracel) archipelagos, especially Hoang Sa in the late 18th century under the Nguyen Dynasty.
He called on parties involved to respect international law and ASEAN, of which Vietnam is an active member, strengthen solidarity, diplomatic efforts and negotiations, and avoid using force to settle disputes.
In his opening speech, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang praised the efforts of individuals and associations contributing to organizing the workshop, an important event for OVs, especially those in Europe, demonstrating their affection and attachment to their homeland and major national issues.
Organized on the initiative of the Liaison Committee for Overseas Vietnamese in Europe's “Vietnam’s seas and islands”, the workshop received 14 presentations from professors and researchers on Asia and the East Sea, economists and educators from European countries and Vietnam.
The presentations touched upon different perspectives on the East Sea and the issue of Vietnam’s sovereignty over the sea and islands from historical, cultural, political and legal perspectives.
On this occasion, a meeting between OVs who have visited the Spratlys was held and an exhibit of photos and artifacts about this archipelago was opened.