1982 UNCLOS most important legal tool to preserve regional peace: workshop
Implementing the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and other international instruments to address emerging maritime issues has been the focus of a workshop in Hanoi on November 30 and December 1.
Hanoi (VNA) – Implementing the 1982United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS) and otherinternational instruments to address emerging maritime issues has been thefocus of a workshop in Hanoi on November 30 and December 1.
The hybrid ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) workshop,co-organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EU, Australiaand New Zealand, brought together about 200 representatives from 27 ARF membercountries, regional and international organisations, diplomatic offices,research institutes, ministries and agencies.
In his opening remarks, Assistant to the Minister ofForeign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu reiterated the significance of the 1982 UNCLOS,especially in the context of emerging challenges to the settlement of maritime issues,requiring intensive and extensive international cooperation.
The 1982 UNCLOS is an important basis for countriesin the region to enhance trust and cooperation, for peace, security andprosperity, he stressed, adding that all disputes and maritime issues should beaddressed by peaceful measures in line with international law, including the Convention.
Illustrative image (Source: Unclos.jpg)
Vu viewed the workshop as a demonstration ofregional commitment to international cooperation to cope with the challenges.
Thomas Wiersing, deputy head of the EU Delegation toVietnam, emphasised the leading role of ASEAN in promoting peace and stabilityin the region, affirming the EU’s support for the early completion of a substantiveand legally-binding Code of Conduct (COC) in the East Sea.
Chargé d'affaires of the Australian Embassy in HanoiMark Tattersall spoke highly of the ARF’s role in security and cooperation dialoguesin Indo-Pacific.
Delegates shared the view that the 1982 UNCLOS isthe most crucial legal tool to maintain peace and stability in the region,creating a framework to push ahead with the settlement of both traditional andemerging maritime issues in the region./.
Nearly 100 member states of the Group of Friends on the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) held a ceremony on June 14 to mark 40 years since the adoption of the convention.
Malaysian Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob said on August 23 that member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) are once again accelerating negotiations on a Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC).
Since becoming a signatory to UNCLOS 1982, Vietnam has remained a responsible member and has made significant efforts to endorse and implement its provisions, according to an article posted on Fulcrum.sg, a website of Singapore.
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.
New Zealand is currently one of Vietnam’s most important partners in the region, marked by a high level of political trust, strong and reliable defence and security cooperation, and increasingly open economic, trade, and investment ties.
Party General Secretary To Lam stressed that the Central Public Security Party Committee must be fully aware of the extremely important role of the People's Public Security force in the country's new revolutionary phase, so as to guide each branch and level of the force as the nation undergoes transformation.
Addressing concerns over university education spending, Son explained that as public universities gain greater autonomy, the Ministry of Finance has scaled back recurrent state funding. “Over the past decade, as autonomy has increased, the State's support has steadily declined”, he noted
Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
At the workshop (Photo: VNA) 
Illustrative image (Source: Unclos.jpg) 
