(VOVWORLD) - The 16th International Conference on the East Sea (internationally known as the South China Sea) convened in Ha Long City on Wednesday and Thursday with the theme "Navigating Narratives, Nurturing Norms."
 Senior officials, experts, and representatives of international organizations discuss issues related to the East Sea. (Photo: baoquangninh.vn) |
Organized by the Academy of Diplomacy and relevant agencies, the conference gathered 50 experts from 23 countries and international organizations, 22 ambassadors, and about 100 delegates from foreign representative agencies in Vietnam.
Judge Hidehisa Horinouchi of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea stressed UNCLOS's continued relevance in addressing new challenges like fishery resources, biodiversity conservation, and climate change, while legal experts said it is necessary for the document to be interpreted and applied in good faith.
Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet told the conference that compliance with internationally recognized principles and norms is the foundation for ensuring international peace and stability and also a common framework for countries to resolve disputes peacefully and cooperatively.
Viet said Vietnam's first candidate to the position of Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for 2026-2035 term reaffirms its readiness to participate in ITLOS activities and its strong commitment to UNCLOS in particular and the United Nations Charter and international law in general.
On the sidelines of the conference, the Organizing Committee will open the Young Leaders Program to seek young researchers on the East Sea and hold a special session with the theme “Young Generation and Maritime Security”.