(VOVWORLD) - Maritime security has been exposed in recent years to many challenges, including disputes and violations of territorial sovereignty. Maintaining and strengthening maritime security is the shared responsibility of the international community. The current maritime disputes in the East Sea need to be resolved peacefully based on international law. That’s the message Vietnam’s Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered at the UN Security Council’s high-level open debate themed “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation”, which was held online Monday.
 Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
Maritime security is a global problem requiring a global solution
Prime Minister Chinh said oceans and seas provide an immense resource for mankind. They are also an avenue of international trade connecting countries and continents, and are critical to the development and prosperity of states and nations.
But at sea, we face security challenges, Mr. Chinh continued. Unilateral acts that violate international law, the use of force or even threats of force, have escalated tensions and threatened peace, friendship, security, safety, and freedom of navigation and trade. Preserving and enhancing maritime security has become an urgent task that is in the common interest and should be the shared responsibility of the entire international community.
Prime Minister Chinh proposed that states and international organizations develop a comprehensive understanding of the importance of oceans and seas and the threats to maritime security to foster greater political will to develop more effective cooperation arrangements aimed at using oceans and seas in a sustainable manner and maintaining a stable, peaceful maritime environment. Resources must be made available to implement national strategies and regulations to achieve this end.
Maritime security is a global problem requiring a global solution, said Mr. Chinh.
“Vietnam proposes the development of a network of mechanisms and initiatives for regional maritime security with the United Nations serving as the coordinator, to bolster information and experience sharing, coordinate actions, and address shared challenges in a timely manner. Vietnam values and actively participates in initiatives and mechanisms within ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners for practical cooperation in the East Sea. These provide forums for dialogue and confidence building, and help coordinate maritime security efforts,” Mr. Chinh said.
 Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attends the UNSC's high-level open debate from Hanoi. (Photo: VGP/Nhat Bac) |
Vietnam is ready to cooperate to maintain maritime security
As a maritime nation, Vietnam clearly understands the immense value of the sea and the danger of any challenge to maritime security. Prime Minister Chinh said Vietnam is ready to work with other countries to address maritime issues, maintain peace, and promote sustainable development.
“Vietnam is determined to work with ASEAN and China to fully and effectively honor the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiate an effective and substantive Code of Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (COC) consistent with international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982. Vietnam calls upon all countries and multilateral institutions, especially UN agencies, to step up assistance and pay due attention to the hardships and interests of developing countries,” said Prime Minister Chinh.
Prime Minister Chinh said the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea is a legal basis for international cooperation to address global challenges and all states need to fully honor it. He said Vietnam stands ready to make greater contributions to promoting dialogue and building confidence, and join the international community in maintaining security at sea and realizing the ocean’s enormous potential, for a future of peace and prosperity for all.