The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 is considered the basis for national, regional and global cooperation in the marine sector. Ambassador Bui The Giang, who is Charge d’Affaires of Vietnam’s permanent mission to the United Nations, made the statement at the General Assembly session’s debate on “Oceans and the Law of the Sea” in New York yesterday. The Ambassador emphasized that the Convention advances the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes and provides for a mandatory system to be applied by States Parties to settle any dispute between them.
He stated as a coastal state with a long coastline washed by the East Sea, Vietnam is pleased to note the continued development of regional and international cooperation, including in the uses and management of this sea.
Mr. Giang said in the East Sea, there exist difficult disputes over territorial sovereignty and maritime boundaries, which if not properly managed and settled could negatively impact regional peace, security and stability, hinder the legitimate uses of the sea and the resources therein for the developmental needs of the coastal states, as well as other cooperative efforts for sustainable development of the sea. He affirmed Vietnam has worked tirelessly for peaceful solutions to existing disputes in accordance with international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, and acceptable to all parties concerned.