(VOVworld) – The 17^th Conference of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) opened in Johannesburg, South Africa on Saturday involving representatives of 182 member countries and organizations involved in wildlife protection.

A white female rhino named Kuda is dehorned by the Animal and Wildlife Area Research and Rehabilitation (AWARE) at Lake Chivero Recreational Park in Norton, Zimbabwe August 25, 2016. (Photo: Reuters/Philimon Bulawayo)

Head of the Vietnamese delegation, Ha Cong Tuan, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Vietnam has proactively contributed to the international organization over the past 22 years. He reiterated that the Vietnamese government has committed to eliminating the network of illegally trafficking of wild animal products and has resolutely fought against crimes relating to wildlife trade. Tuan said Vietnam will host the 17^th international wildlife trade conference in Hanoi this November. The 17^th CITES meeting is scheduled to close next Wednesday.