At the seminar (Photo: VNA)Paris (VNA) – A scientific seminar onopportunities and challenges in cooperation for security and development in theEast Sea took place in Paris, France on February 27.
The event was jointly organized by the France-Vietnam Friendship Parliamentarians’ Group (FVFPG) of theSenate of France and Paul-Valery Montpellier University.
Participants analyzed the legal and political-strategic aspects of regional andinternational tensions related to sovereignty disputes and activities of involvedparties in the East Sea; and the past and future role played by France andEurope in contributing to promoting development cooperation, maintaining peaceand stability in the region.
They agreed that like other maritime zones in the world, the East Sea must be aplace of interference and exchange, and a space of connection and cooperation amongcountries; and acts of intimidation and hegemony cannot be tolerated.
Participants highlighted positive development of bilateral and multilateral cooperationin the sea, including the fishery cooperation programme in the Tonkin Gulf betweenVietnam and China, cooperation against pirates, and the “CoralTriangle Initiative” to protect marine and coastal resources between Indonesia,Malaysia, Papua – New Guinea, the Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor Leste.
However, they pointed out arising challenges which threaten peace, stability andsecurity in the region and agreed that maintaining peace and stability as wellas promoting cooperation and development not only benefit countries bordering theEast Sea, but also the international community as a whole.
As a permanent member of the UN Security Council, France has alwaysshown its interest in the East Sea issue through increasing maritimecooperation with countries in the region. The country is actively implementinga policy towards Asia, focusing on cooperation for security and development inthe East Sea in the Indo-Pacific Strategy announced by President EmmanuelMacron in 2018.
Delegates also mentioned the France-Vietnam relations. Over the past two years,the bilateral relationship has been constantly developing. The exchange of high-rankingdelegations between the two countries has been increased, while their economiccooperation sees promising prospects after the European Parliament ratified thefree trade and investment protection agreements between the EU and Vietnam./.
VNA
