Prime Minister calls for prompt establishment of mechanisms for marine environmental protection

Prime Minister Pham made the above call on Tuesday while addressing themed "Aspiration for a peaceful, sustainable and prosperous ocean."

Though covering more than 70 percent of the surface of our planet, serving as key transport routes, and playing important role in the development, peace, and prosperity of countries and nations, seas and oceans are facing unprecedented traditional and non-traditional challenges such as piracy, smuggling, violations of international law, climate change, plastic waste, overexploitation of marine resources, and marine environmental degradation and pollution, Pham highlighted

The aforesaid challenges are posing serious consequences to mankind, threatening the existence of many countries and communities. This is a global issue that requires every country, nation, community and individual to have righteous perceptions and actions in favor of blue seas and oceans, peace and sustainable development, he emphasized.

Pham also called for ensuring peaceful and stable environment and security at sea on the basis of respect for international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and for sovereignty, interests and legitimate economic activities of countries.

Disputes must be settled through peaceful means in line with international law with respect to diplomatic and legal processes and international regulations and standards on fishery cooperation.

As a littoral country heavily affected by climate change and sea level rise, Viet Nam vows to continue working with the international community to protect the seas and oceans, peace, stability and prosperity; proactively participate in bilateral and multilateral mechanisms; and actively foster regional and international cooperation on seas and oceans, said the Prime Minister.

Viet Nam commits to seriously implementing international obligations, cutting emissions, adapting to climate change, ensuring maritime security and safety while being determined to consistently protect its legitimate rights and interests as well as its independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity and respecting legitimate interests of other countries, he said.

Pham took the occasion to call for more support and cooperation from international organizations and development partners for Viet Nam in the future./.