Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son today introduced to the diplomatic delegations of countries in Hanoi Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh - Deputy Director of the Diplomatic Academy, Vietnam's candidate for the position of judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026-2035 term.

Ms. Lan Anh is one of the leading experts in the field of international law in Vietnam with extensive knowledge and rich practical experience in teaching, researching and speaking on the law of the sea. She is currently an Arbitrator under Annex VII of UNCLOS and Vice President of the Asian Society of International Law.

She has conducted numerous researches in the field of maritime dispute resolution and organized many conferences and workshops on regional maritime security and the application of UNCLOS 1982. She is the author and co-author of many books and articles in prestigious international publications. As a professional diplomat, she has extensive experience in handling bilateral and multilateral issues at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs .

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Associate Professor, Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh. Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister Bui Thanh Son emphasized the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) - the constitution for the ocean, as the legal framework governing all activities at sea and in the ocean - and the role of ITLOS in protecting the integrity of the Convention.

Vietnam's first nomination as a candidate to ITLOS is a decision of great significance, demonstrating its consistent stance on upholding international law and its commitment to becoming an active member, contributing to the common work of the international community.

This nomination also demonstrates Vietnam's commitment to promoting multilateralism as well as gender equality and the role of women in international institutions.

Speaking with ambassadors and heads of representative agencies in Hanoi, Associate Professor Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh shared her views, vision and strong commitment to promoting the rule of law at sea and in the ocean, enforcing the law with impartiality and integrity.

The introduction was held on the occasion of the first anniversary of Vietnam's official nomination of its candidate to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea within the framework of the 34th session of the Conference of States Parties to the International Convention on the Law of the Sea in New York (USA) and the 125th anniversary of the establishment of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague (Netherlands) in June 2024.

The event was attended by 80 ambassadors, heads of representative offices, representatives of foreign embassies in Hanoi, domestic agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the discussion, the countries highly appreciated the candidacy decision as well as the qualifications and experience of Vietnam's candidate. At the same time, the countries wished Vietnam success in this important nomination.

ITLOS, the international court established on the basis of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), has jurisdiction to adjudicate and resolve disputes relating to the interpretation and application of UNCLOS between countries that choose the Court as the competent authority, as well as legal issues stipulated in other agreements between member states.

The Court currently has 21 judges elected by the Convention's member countries, and has resolved and accepted more than 30 maritime disputes after 30 years of operation.

ITLOS has an important role and has made many contributions to preserving the integrity, clarifying issues and promoting compliance with UNCLOS.

Source: https://vietnamnet.vn/nu-pho-giao-su-cua-viet-nam-ung-cu-vao-vi-tri-tham-phan-toa-an-luat-bien-quoc-te-2406231.html