The task of international cooperation on the sea is considered important by the Party and State of Vietnam.

As one of the countries that voted to ratify UNCLOS and signed the Convention on its opening day, even before the Convention entered into force on November 16, 1994, in its Resolution approving UNCLOS on June 23, 1994, Vietnam affirmed its determination to work with the international community to build a fair legal order and encourage development and cooperation at sea. Like most other coastal states, Vietnam increasingly prioritizes international cooperation on maritime issues, placing this issue within the overall policy of expanding foreign relations and actively integrating into the international and regional arenas.

The national flag flies over Sinh Ton Dong Island, Truong Sa Archipelago, April 2023. Photo: Nguyen Hong

The Vietnamese Party and State consider international cooperation on maritime issues as an important part of their economic development strategy, national security protection, and foreign policy implementation. Key aspects of Vietnam's international cooperation on maritime issues include: protecting sovereignty and rights at sea. Vietnam affirms and defends its sovereignty over its maritime areas and islands, especially the East Sea (South China Sea). International cooperation strengthens international support for protecting Vietnam's legitimate rights. Vietnam pursues a policy of resolving maritime disputes peacefully through dialogue and negotiation. Cooperation with regional and international countries is essential to building a peaceful and stable environment in the East Sea. International cooperation on maritime issues aims not only to protect sovereignty but also to develop a sustainable maritime economy. Vietnam promotes cooperation in areas such as aquaculture, oil and gas exploration, marine tourism, and marine resource protection. Vietnam actively participates in international organizations and forums related to the sea, such as the United Nations, ASEAN, the APEC Economic Cooperation Forum, and other international treaties, to enhance its role and position in maritime issues. International cooperation plays a crucial role in protecting the marine environment, combating pollution, and conserving biodiversity. Vietnam, along with other countries, fulfills international commitments to protect marine environmental resources. Cooperation with foreign organizations and countries in the field of marine research and modern technology aims to improve the capacity for managing, protecting, and sustainably developing marine resources. The Vietnamese Party and State attach great importance to strengthening maritime security and coordinating with countries in the region to ensure the safety of important shipping lanes, combat piracy, smuggling, and illegal activities at sea. Vietnam is developing long-term strategies for marine economic development, in which international cooperation is considered an essential element to achieve sustainable development goals and protect maritime sovereignty.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the 34th Conference of States Parties to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (SPLOS) at the United Nations Headquarters in New York from June 10-14. Photo: Internet

Vietnam's consistent stance on international maritime cooperation is that it promotes international cooperation on maritime issues with countries, international and regional organizations on the basis of international law, especially UNCLOS. Vietnam highly values ​​UNCLOS as the legal framework for all activities in the seas and oceans, and as the legal basis for all actions and cooperation at the national, regional, and global levels. Vietnam is committed to working with other countries to maintain peace, stability, security, and order at sea, and freedom of navigation and overflight in the South China Sea; to cooperate in resolving disputes in the South China Sea peacefully on the basis of international law, especially UNCLOS; and to appreciate the role of other countries and welcome initiatives for maritime cooperation in all fields aimed at mutual benefit and sustainable development in the South China Sea. International cooperation on maritime issues is considered by the Vietnamese Party and State as an essential part of its foreign policy, contributing to strengthening Vietnam's position in the international community, protecting its sovereignty and legitimate rights, and promoting sustainable maritime economic development. Emphasis on this area not only meets the requirements of economic development but also ensures national security and stability.

Kim Oanh