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…
