It marks the international community’s acknowledgement of Vietnam’s growing stature in global affairs and a new milestone in Vietnam’s multilateral diplomacy and international legal integration.
The move underlines Vietnam’s transition from participant to substantive contributor to the development and implementation of international norms and rules.
Over the course of its international integration, Vietnam has evolved from a country committed to complying with international law into one that contributes to the formulation and advancement of international legal principles and standards. Vietnam has made contributions at the International Law Commission, the Legal and Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority, the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law (UNCITRAL), and numerous other multilateral forums.
A vote of confidence in Vietnam’s diplomacy
ITLOS is one of the world’s most important judicial institutions of international law, particularly the law of the sea. Established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the Tribunal has, over the past three decades, played a significant role in the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes and in promoting the consistent interpretation and application of UNCLOS.
This is the first time Vietnam has nominated a candidate and secured representation at ITLOS since the Tribunal began operations in 1996. The election of Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh with the highest vote reflects the confidence of UNCLOS member states and the international community in Vietnam’s commitment to upholding the international legal order at sea.
Ambassador Do Hung Viet, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, highlighted the vote’s significance: "The result shows the respect and trust that the international community has for Vietnam’s longstanding contributions and growing role in promoting international law, including UNCLOS and international dispute-settlement mechanisms such as ITLOS."
Vietnam’s successful election to the Tribunal also underscores the effectiveness of its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, peace, friendship, cooperation, development, diversification, multilateralization of foreign relations, and extensive international integration.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said: "This is not just a personal success, but a reflection of Vietnam’s credibility, standing, and capacity to contribute to international affairs, particularly in the field of international law and maritime governance. It’s also tangible evidence of Vietnam’s commitment to being a responsible and constructive member of the international community."
The international community’s broad support also indicates their recognition of Vietnam’s growing expertise in international law, including the law of the sea, as well as Vietnam’s professional competence, experience and reputation.
Realizing 14th National Party Congress’s strategic vision
For Vietnam, securing its first-ever seat on ITLOS is a step in implementing the foreign policy orientation outlined by the 14th National Party Congress and further elaborated in the Politburo’s Resolution 06 on foreign affairs.
The achievement provides momentum for Vietnam to pursue a more proactive, substantive, and effective diplomatic agenda, while contributing to international efforts to uphold a rules-based, fair, and transparent global order. As emphasized by General Secretary and President To Lam, Vietnam’s international integration in the new era will shift from participation to constructive contributions and enforcement of international norms and rules in a manner that serves national interests and matches international law and the common interests.
Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu said: “Vietnam will continue to pursue a consistent policy of promoting its responsibilities in regional and global affairs, upholding the rule of law, and contributing to the development of international legal frameworks to make UNCLOS 1982 the constitution for the seas and oceans.”
Vietnam’s first-ever representation on ITLOS is a source of pride for the diplomatic sector and enhances Vietnam’s standing, credibility, and capacity in regional and global affairs.
