Viet Nam fully and responsibly adheres to UNCLOS 1982

The event attracted the participation of 100 delegates from the UN, representative agencies in Viet Nam, ministries and agencies.

Addressing the event, Assistant to Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu emphasized the value and role of the Convention as the "Constitution for the Oceans".

He described it as a comprehensive and complete international legal document that regulates all maritime activities and is widely recognized by the international community.

In particular, the Convention has established a solid foundation for defining maritime zones, thereby determining sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction over these areas, as well as serving as the basis for conducting maritime activities, said Nguyen.

It also provides a relatively comprehensive dispute resolution mechanism to peacefully address disputes arising between countries regarding the interpretation and application of the Convention.

As a coastal nation and a responsible member of the international community that upholds international law, Viet Nam consistently affirms the importance of the Convention and fully adheres to and responsibly implements its provisions, the official highlighted.

According to Nguyen, the nation is committed to resolving maritime disputes via peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS. In fact, Viet Nam has applied the Convention in addressing maritime boundary issues with its neighboring countries.

Besides, the country actively and increasingly participates in the mechanisms established under the Convention, demonstrating its sense of responsibility and respect for the rule of law that has been recognized and highly praised by the international community, noted Nguyen.

Delegates to the event reviewed the process of the formation and entry into force of the UNCLOS, the Convention's values over the past 30 years, and its practical role at present, especially in the context of emerging non-traditional challenges related to the seas and oceans.

UNCLOS was adopted on December 10, 1982, and officially came into force on November 16, 1994. Viet Nam was one of the first 107 countries to sign and ratify the Convention./.