OPENING REMARKS OF DR. PHẠM LAN DUNG, ACTING PRESIDENT, DIPLOMATIC ACADEMY OF VIETNAM The 13th South China Sea International Conference (Hanoi, November 18, 2021)  Excellency Mr. Pham Quang Hieu, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Your Excellencies, distinguished guests, Excellency Ambassadors, Representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, Distinguished scholars, colleagues here and those who are watching online, I would like to warmly welcome you to the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam’s 13th South China Sea International Scientific Conference with the theme “Looking back to a brighter future”, especially online delegates from all over the world. I regret that the Covid-19 pandemic has not yet allowed us the opportunity to convene in person. Ladies and Gentlemen, The Covid-19 pandemic has lasted longer than anticipated and continues to change the way our world operates. We have been learning how to actively adapt to the “new normal”. In this context, maintaining the South China Sea Conference…

REMARKS BY H.E. MR. PHAM QUANG HIEU, VICE MINISTER FOR FOREIGN AFFAIRS OF VIETNAM, AT THE OPENING SESSION OF THE 13TH SOUTH CHINA SEA INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, November 18, 2021 *** “LOOKING BACK TO A BRIGHTER FUTURE” Dr. Pham Lan Dung, Acting President of the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam, Your Excellencies, Ambassadors, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps Distinguished guests, Keynote speakers, panelists and online participants Ladies and Gentlemen, On behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam, it is my great honor to welcome and thank all of you, Ambassadors, representatives of the Diplomatic Corps, speakers and distinguished guests present at the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam today, as well as online participants from all over the world, who took time to participate in our 13th South China Sea International Conference under the theme “Looking back to a brighter future”. I would also like to thank the…