Vietnam
Vietnam-Thailand security conference mentioning East Sea issue
On August 24, the Vietnam-Thailand Joint Working Group on Political and Security Cooperation (JWG) convened its eighth security conference mentioning East Sea issue.
They focused their discussions on cooperation aspects that need to be intensified in the time ahead, including a high-level security dialogue mechanism between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and the Royal Thai Police and a defence policy dialogue mechanism at the deputy defence ministerial level, and the use of a hotline between the two naval forces to address sea-related issues without delay.
Delegates also exchanged views on measures to effectively use a hotline on preventing illegal fishing between the Vietnamese Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development and the Thai partner. The two sides agreed to soon carry out an agreement on labour cooperation and sign a mutual legal assistance agreement on trade and civil affairs.
Thailand is one of Vietnam’s most important defence partners, the two countries agreed on intensified cooperation to manage and use the Mekong river water resources sustainably and effectively. The two nations are committed to strengthening the security of the border by working cooperatively. Specifically, the two nations security ministries aim to address security threats early; facilitate trade, economic growth and jobs; integrate cross-border law enforcement; and bolster critical infrastructure and cyber-security.
Some of the issues they plan to collaborate on in the near term include installing hotlines between the two navies to timely deal with issues arising at sea and taking joint action to combat illegal fishing. They also have agreed to work jointly in developing and sustainably managing the use of Mekong River water resources in line with international rules while ensuring legitimate rights of the Greater Mekong Subregion.
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They reached a consensus on strengthening cooperation in ASEAN to maintain a common stance on the East Sea issue with respect to international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea, and work towards the formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea, thus contributing to peace, stability, maritime and navigation and aviation security and safety.
Security and defence relations between the two countries are longstanding, well-entrenched and highly successful, said Deputy Minister Nam, noting that this relationship reflects a unique friendship, underpinned by common values and close economic interdependence that has evolved over the course of the last century.
As it relates to the East Sea territorial dispute, the two sides have agreed they will maintain their common stance that issues must be resolved in accordance with international law, including the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea 1982.
