The event in hybrid format attracted about 150 delegates from 27 ARF member countries, international and regional organizations, diplomatic representative agencies, research institutes, experts, reputable scholars, and ministries and branches.
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The 5th ARF Workshop on Implementing UNCLOS and other International Instruments to Address Emerging Maritime Issues is held in Hanoi on November 9 (Photo: The Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
At the event, participants discussed ways to cooperate and solve challenges in marine management in the region, based on the application and implementation of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982 and relevant international legal documents.
In his opening remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Do Hung Viet affirmed the extremely important role of UNCLOS 1982 - the constitution of the seas and oceans - in the context that the world and the region are facing more and more challenges.
He said that territorial disputes, strategic competition, on-site tensions as well as climate change, sea level rise, and unsustainable marine exploitation have posed many risks to the East Sea (South China Sea) - the waters with strategic and economic significance - that threaten peace, security, and stability, particularly maritime security and safety of the region.
He said the UNCLOS 1982 continues to demonstrate its irreplaceable role in solving issues and disputes at sea, serving as a solid foundation for continuing to develop an international legal framework to address emerging challenges.
Viet held that more than ever, countries can only find solutions to maritime problems in the region through promoting cooperation, and by fully respecting and implementing UNCLOS 1982.
Co-chairing the workshop, Canadian Ambassador Shawn Steil, Australian Deputy Ambassador Mark Tattersall, New Zealand Ambassador Tredene Dobson, and Deputy Head of the E.U. Delegation to Vietnam all emphasized the important role and value of the UNCLOS.
At the workshop, participants discussed the regulation scale of the UNCLOS 1982 and relevant legal documents, conventional and emerging challenges in implementing the UNCLOS 1982.
Source: VNA