Vietnam adheres to international law, backs stronger international maritime cooperation: diplomat
Vietnam actively participates in international forums, enacts legislation aligned with UNCLOS, and supports the universalisation of the convention, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu said.
Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the workshop. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
Hanoi (VNA) – As a signatory of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and a country with a long coastline, Vietnam consistently adheres to international law and supports the strengthening of international cooperation to build a strong maritime nation and and promote sustainable economic development, said Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen꧒ Minh Vu.
He made the remarks at a regional workshop on the role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in the settlement of disputes related to the law of the sea, jointly organised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITLOS in Hanoi on May 5.
The two-day workshop gathered representatives from the ITLOS, as well as more than 70 delegates, including legal experts from 15 Asian countries, Vietnamese officials in charge of marine affairs from various ministries and central agencies, and representatives of foreign diplomatic missions in Hanoi. The event features three sessions focusing on topics such as dispute settlement procedures and jurisdiction under the UNCLOS in general and the ITLOS in particular, notable legal precedents, and concludes with a roundtable discussion among participants.
Vietnam’s commitment to the UNCLOS and ITLOS is demonstrated not only through official statements but also through concrete actions, Vu said, noting that the country actively participates in international forums, enacts legislation aligned with UNCLOS, and supports the universalisation of the convention.
He went on to say that Vietnam’s nomination of a candidate for the position of ITLOS judge reflects its desire to contribute expertise and play a leadership role in the development of international maritime law. As the world faces increasingly complex maritime challenges from strategic competition to climate change, the roles of UNCLOS and ITLOS are more important than ever. A thorough understanding of the ITLOS’s role and procedures, along with international cooperation in upholding the principles of the UNCLOS, is essential to ensuring that the oceans remain zones of peace, cooperation, and sustainable development, he added.
In his opening address, ITLOS President Tomas Heidar stated that the workshop is part of a series of global events aimed at promoting understanding of the dispute settlement mechanisms under the UNCLOS and highlighting the ITLOS’s vital role in resolving disputes related to the interpretation and application of the Convention.
He emphasised that one of the major achievements of the UNCLOS negotiation process was the establishment of a dispute settlement mechanism to ensure the effective implementation of the convention.
As an independent judicial body at the heart of that mechanism, the ITLOS has earned the trust of member states and has proven to be an effective forum for dispute resolution. To date, the Tribunal has adjudicated 30 cases and issued three advisory opinions on matters related to the law of the sea, Heidar stated./.
The nomination reflects the high trust and recognition from the international community for Vietnam’s leading efforts in implementing and strengthening the universal values of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as well as its positive contributions to the work of the UN since it joined the convention in 1994.
All countries, regardless of size, must fully comply with the legal standards and obligations under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, has affirmed.
As a coastal nation with more than 3,260 kilometres of coastline and thousands of islands, Vietnam’s commitment to responsible implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) is in line with the country’s thorough foreign policy, stated Assistant to the Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
