November 23, 2018 | 15:23 (GMT+7)
Vietnam: oil and gas cooperation in East Sea must adhere to 1982 UNCLOS
Oil and gas cooperation between the Philippines and China in the East Sea can only be conducted in waters that both sides hold sovereignty and sovereignty rights over, in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affair’s Vice Spokesperson Nguyen Phuong Tra made the statement at a regular press conference in Hanoi on November 22 in response to reporters’ queries about Vietnam’s stance on a memorandum of understanding on oil and gas exploitation signed between the Philippines and China on November 20.
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Vice Spokesperson Nguyen Phuong Tra |
She said Vietnam’s stance on the East Sea issue, including sovereignty, sovereignty rights, and legitimate rights at sea, is clear and consistent, and has been declared multiple times.
As a responsible member of the international community and an East Sea bordering country, Vietnam highly values international cooperation, including cooperation at sea on the basis of respecting the sovereignty and legitimate rights of parties concerned in line with international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, for the sake of peace, stability, and development in the region, as well as for the friendship and collaboration amongst surrounding countries.
Source: VNA