Held by the Diplomatic Academy ofVietnam (DAV), the two-day event attracted the in-person attendance of over 220delegates and the virtual participation of more than 250 others.
Their discussion is set to revolvearound such key topics as the impact of international and regional politicalmovements on the situation in the waters; new developments of multilateralism;capacity building for mixed operations and code of conduct development on newfronts; and measures to boost cooperation, security and prosperity in theIndo-Pacific region.
In his opening remarks, DeputyMinister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu said maintaining an order at sea,particularly regarding compliance, trust, and cooperation, is essential toensuring a sustainable recovery.
The official affirmed thatVietnam's policy on the East Sea is to fully respect and willingly implement the provisionsof international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), settle disputes by peacefulmeans in accordance with international law and UN Charter,and promote maritime cooperation based on the convention.
Vietnam attaches great importanceto the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas and marine resources,he stated.
Hieu suggested that theinternational community need creative solutions to improve transparency andpromote strategic trust between parties; specific actions to maintain politicalstability and economic recovery; and initiatives to promote multilateralism,especially the ASEAN centrality.
This year's conference took place inthe context of the 40th anniversary of the UNCLOS and the 20th anniversary ofASEAN and China signing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the EastSea (DOC). Notably, among its eight sessions, there is one for overseas Vietnamese tovoice their opinions./.