Maritime cooperation within ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms have reaped significant outcomes across spheres despite the COVID-19, heard the 10th ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) that was held both in online and in-person formats on December 15.
Hanoi (VNA) – Maritime cooperation within ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms have reapedsignificant outcomes across spheres despite the COVID-19, heard the 10th ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF) that was held both in online and in-person formats on December15.
In his opening speech, Vu Ho, Director of theForeign Ministry’s ASEAN Department, said since its inception in 2010,the forum has become an effective framework to promote dialogues, informationsharing and coordination between relevant agencies, significantly contributingto regional maritime cooperation and security.
In 2020, ASEAN hasestablished a network on fighting illegal fishing, built a joint action plan oncombating marine waste and studied the feasibility of the building of commonfishery policies in ASEAN, delegates at the forum said.
They also highlightedthe East Asia Summit (EAS) Leaders’ Statement on Partnership for Sustainability,saying maritime cooperation and security are a high priority in action plansfor 2021-2025 reached by ASEAN and its seven partners in the year.
The forum alsotouched upon emerging challenges, including activities and developments thathave complicated the situation and increased tensions, thus harming rules-basedmaritime order, along with non-traditional challenges such as illegal fishing, maritimepollution and plastic waste.
The delegates acknowledgedthe results and recommendations raised at the seminar marking the 10th anniversary of the forum held by Vietnam on December 12, including the proposalto build ASEAN’s comprehensive, cohesive, responsive and inclusive approach tomaritime cooperation.
They shared the viewon the necessity to enhance information exchange and coordination betweenagencies, and ease overlapping, as well as the significance of observinginternational law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Lawof the Sea (UNCLOS).
The participating countriesalso discussed measures to consolidate and improve the operational efficiencyof the forum.
The 10th AMF formed part activities regarding maritime cooperation chaired by Vietnam inits capacity as ASEAN Chair 2020./.
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Vietnamese fishing boats (Photo: VNA) 
