Vietnam deeply aware of challenges to maritime security

PM Chinh’s attendance at the debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” was made at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi of India that is holding the UNSC’s rotating Presidency.

This is the first time maritime security has been discussed as an exclusive agenda item at the UNSC in the context of increasing challenges to maritime security in the region and the world.

In his speech, PM Pham Minh Chinh emphasized the importance of seas and oceans which are the great resources of mankind, the vital artery for international trade, the gateway connecting countries and continents, and are very vital to the development and prosperity of nations.

He highlighted comprehensive and adequate awareness of the significance of seas as well as possible threats to maritime security, saying it is essential to promote responsibility and political resolve, reinforce trust, build closer and more effective cooperation mechanisms to ensure a maritime environment of peace and stability, and exploit maritime resources sustainably.

Maritime security is a global issue, so it needs a global solution, Chinh went on to say, suggesting setting up a network of mechanisms and initiatives on regional maritime security to be coordinated by the UN to increase the sharing of information and experience, and take joint actions to cope with common challenges in a timely manner.

The world is currently facing many traditional and non-traditional security challenges at sea, the Vietnamese government leader said, while affirming that preserving and enhancing maritime security is an interest, urgent task and common responsibility of the entire international community. As a coastal country, Vietnam is deeply aware of the great value of  seas as well as challenges to maritime security, he said.

Vietnam is willing to cooperate with countries in an effort to solve maritime security issues, actively contribute to maintaining an environment of peace and security, as well as the ecology and sustainable development in the region and the world as well, Chinh stressed.

The nation is resolved, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, to seriously, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiate to build a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in line with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

Vietnam persists with its foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of international relations, being  a friend, a reliable partner with all countries in the world and a responsible member of the international community.

Policies, laws and behaviours of countries should be in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), and activities that would complicate the situation and cause tensions should be averted, Chinh stated.

Participants expressed their concern over growing threats to maritime security and safety, and shared their view on the need to strengthen international cooperation to cope with such challenges, observe international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, and promote regional and global initiatives to enhance maritime security.

The UNSC adopted a presidential statement calling for stronger regional and international cooperation to address challenges to maritime security and safety, acknowledging the significance of the UNCLOS, and calling on the UN and the international community to further support countries to improve their capabilities and share experience in dealing with threats to maritime security.

PM Chinh said he believes that the UNSC will promote its leading role and responsibility in maintaining international peace and security, and continue to make important and practical contributions to protecting and intensifying maritime security.

The Vietnamese Government chief affirmed the nation's readiness to make greater contributions, enhance dialogue, build trust with the international community in order to maintain security at sea, promote the great values of seas, for peace, cooperation and development which is an inevitable trend.