Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Pham Quang Hieu speaks at the workshop. (Photo: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Deputy Minister of ForeignAffairs Pham Quang Hieu has described the 1982 UNCLOS as a “Constitution” ofthe ocean, as it has created a legal framework for the settlement of maritime challengesin the region, including emerging ones.
Speaking at the third ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) workshop on implementing UNCLOS and other international instruments to address emerging maritime issues on June 1, the official stressedthat all disputes in the East Sea must be addressed by peaceful measures inaccordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Conventionon the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS).
Cooperation with goodwill and on the basis of the conventionwould contribute to enhancing trust between parties and promoting peace,security and prosperity in the region, he continued.
The event wasjointly held by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and its Indian,Australian, and Canadian counterparts, and the EU.
The two-day workshop, in both online and in-person forms, formedpart of activities implementing the Hanoi Plan of Action II for the 2020-2025period, and the ARF Ministerial Statement on Enhancing Cooperation amongMaritime Law Enforcement Agencies, initiated by Vietnam and adopted in 2016.
It brought together about 200 delegates from 27 ARFcountries, and representatives from regional and international organisations,diplomatic missions, ministries and agencies.
The participants mulled over cooperation orientations to address challenges to maritime management in the region, on the basis of theUNCLOS and relevant international documents.
As co-chairs of the workshop, the Canadian and Australian ambassadors to Vietnam alsoshared the view on the role and value of the convention.
Canadian Ambassador Deborah Paul expressed supportfor efforts by countries in managing and handling disputes by peaceful measuresand in line with international law.
The delegates called on countries to join handsin protecting the marine environment and life, managing fisheries sustainably aswell as in search and rescue operations.
In the present context, it is necessary to study the possibility of aregional document on humanitarian treatment towards fishermen in accordance withinternational law and regional characteristics, the workshop heard.
They are expected to look at cooperation in preventingthe degradation of the marine environment and biodiversity, illegal, unreportedand unregulated (IUU) fishing, and plastic waste at sea on June 2.
Enhancing collaboration in ensuring navigationsecurity and safety in the region, including cooperation between law enforcementforces at sea, will also be tabled for discussion on the day./.
VNA
