Viet Nam attaches great importance to the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

Officers and men from the Coast Guard Region 2 helping residents in Da Nang prepare for the storm No 4

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu made that statement at the 14^th international scientific conference on the East Sea which is taking place in Da Nang on November 16 and 17.

Entitled ‘Peaceful Seas - Sustainable recovery’, the event attracts the in-person attendance of over 220 delegates and the virtual participation of more than 250 others, along with nearly 40 speakers who are prestigious experts from 20 countries around the world.

In his speech delivered at the opening ceremony of the conference, Deputy Minister Pham Quang Hieu remarked that the world situation has changed rapidly and unprecedentedly. Changes in geopolitical reality, which are unthinkable, are taking place in several parts of the world, including regions from the Indian Ocean to the Pacific Ocean.

Global geopolitical risks and competitiveness among powerful countries have exacerbated existing problems such as energy security, food security, inflation accompanied by recession, and threats to peace and stability.

He partly attributed the problem to the lack of trust and cooperation, especially in observation of international law and multilateral principles.

The diplomat, therefore, stressed the necessity for international organisations to continue to adhere to rules, maintain cooperation and build up trust to stand the test of time. Countries, especially influential powers, need to take greater responsibility in their behaviour to ensure peace, stability and development.

According to Deputy Minister Hieu, Viet Nam's policy on the East Sea is to fully respect and willingly implement the provisions of international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), settle disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law and UN Charter, and promote maritime cooperation based on the convention.

Viet Nam attaches great importance to the sustainable use and conservation of oceans, seas and marine resources, emphasised the official.

Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting Director of the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam, that, in the context of the global complications, the symposium aimed to examine the impact of new global geopolitical changes on the East Sea, identify potential risks, and seek ways to restore trust and promote dialogue and cooperation.

At the same time, it will position the East Sea in the changing geopolitical context, alternating between old and new hot spots, in the effectiveness of existing governance structures, and will consider the role of UNCLOS after 40 years, added she.

The 2-day event features 8 discussion sessions. In addition, the Diplomatic Academy of Viet Nam also organises a leadership forum for young researchers worldwide.

Reporting by N.PHU - Translating by M.DUNG