Hanoi: Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has reaffirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of strictly respecting and complying with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and peacefully settling all differences and disputes, including those related to maritime issues. PM Chinh made the statement at a reception in Hanoi for Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), who is in Vietnam to attend the regional workshop on the ITLOS’s role in resolving disputes related to the Law of the Sea, co-hosted by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs and ITLOS in the capital city from May 5-6.
According to Vietnam News Agency, the visit of ITLOS President Tomas Heidar underscores the importance of international cooperation in maritime law and highlights Vietnam’s dedication to adhering to global legal standards. The workshop aims to enhance the understanding and implementation of the Law of the Sea among regional stakeholders, promoting a peaceful and lawful approach to maritime disputes.
The discussions between Prime Minister Chinh and President Heidar are expected to further strengthen Vietnam’s engagement with international maritime legal frameworks and reinforce the country’s commitment to peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law. The collaboration between Vietnam and ITLOS signifies a proactive step towards addressing regional maritime challenges through legal diplomacy.