Viet Nam praised for efforts in enforcement of 1982 UNCLOS

At the working session, Ambassador Vu Quang Minh thanked Judge Albert Hoffmann, who has always backed efforts to enhance cooperation between the ITLOS and Viet Nam, for attending workshops and training programs on international law and the UNCLOS organized by Viet Nam.

He also emphazised the significant contributions of the Tribunal and its judges in building capacity for member countries, including those in Southeast Asia and Asia-Pacific, in maritime law research and enforcement.

For his part, President Hoffmann highlighted Viet Nam's endeavors in perfecting relevant policies and laws, including the 2020 Law on Environmental Protection and the National Strategy on Climate Change by 2050.

Viet Nam has actively delimitated overlapping territorial waters and exclusive economic zone with its neighboring countries, most recently the delimitation of its exclusive economic zone with Indonesia, and contributions to the negotiation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea between ASEAN and China.

At the same time, Viet Nam has joined the core group to draft a resolution seeking advice from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on climate change, which was approved by the UN General Assembly last March.

Also, he spoke highly of Viet Nam's personnel preparations for seats at relevant international organizations, including the ITLOS, affirming that the Tribunal stands ready to help Viet Nam and other member countries raise their capacity to enforce the UNCLOS.

Previously, in November 2022, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) opened a representative office in Ha Noi. This is an essential milestone in the extensive and effective partnership and cooperation between the two sides.

At the same time, it demonstrates the role and position of Viet Nam as an active and responsible member of the international community./.