A Vietnamese delegation led by Ambassador to France Nguyen Thiep attended the 36th Ministerial Conference of the Francophonie (CMF) in Monaco from October 30 – 31.

 Vietnamese Ambassador to France Nguyen Thiep addresses the event
(Photo:VNA) 

The event, themed "Reconciling humanity and the planet: perspectives in the Francophone space on the eve of 50 years of the International Organisation of Francophonie (OIF)", brought together more than 80 delegations from countries and territories being members and observers of the OIF.

Upon addressing the event, Thiep affirmed Vietnam’s support for the OIF’s efforts, especially in stepping up economic cooperation, and enhancing connectivity among regions, particularly Africa and ASEAN, and partnership in innovation, sustainable development and governance reform.

While underlining peace and stability as prerequisites for sustainable development, he expressed Vietnam’s concern over recent developments in the East Sea caused by the restoration and upgrade of rock islands, militarization, violations of sovereignty and sovereign right in Vietnam’s territorial waters as defined in the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

The ambassador called on concerned parties in the East Sea to exercise restraint, settle disputes via peaceful means in accordance with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, fully carry out the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and accelerate negotiations to soon reach a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).

He asked the Francophone community to push ahead with their objective voices and advocate efforts of the concerned parties to turn the East Sea into a region of peace, stability and cooperation.

As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020 – 2021 tenure, Vietnam will redouble efforts to ensure peace and security in the Francophone space, particularly in Francophone member countries in Africa, he said.

Participants showed their interest in approaches to dealing with crisis and terrorism, coping with climate change, fulfilling sustainable development goals, ensuring gender equality and boosting collaboration in digital, cultural and language spheres.

The conference approved four resolutions on oceanography, the role of innovation in science, education and digital economy; the 30th anniversary of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, and the 50th founding anniversary of OIF.

Founded in 1970, OIF consists of 88 member states and territories. Vietnam is seen as an active and important member of the organisation in Asia-Pacific.