|
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga, head of the permanent Vietnam mission to the United Nations
|
Speaking at the meeting, Nga affirmed the significance of the UNCLOS in creating a legal framework to adjust member states’ rights and interests in terms of the peaceful, fair, stable and effective use of the sea and the oceans. She hailed the Resolutions on the Law on the Sea and Oceans, and sustainable fishing adopted by the UN General Assembly last year, as well as the working outcomes of the Preparatory Committee on marine biological diversity beyond national jurisdiction.
Nga also expressed concern over the recent complicated developments in the East Sea, particularly large-scale construction and upgrade that changes the nature of several structures in the East Sea, as well as militarised actions that erode trust, exacerbate tension and seriously impact peace, stability and security in the region. Disputes in the East Sea must be resolved by peaceful means in line with international law, including the UNCLOS, she said, adding that parties concerned need to fully and effectively realise the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and work towards a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
During discussions, the Vietnamese delegation spoke highly of the operations of agencies established under the UNCLOS and lauded the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea for its rulings and suggestions last year, contributing to the explanation and application of the UNCLOS terms. It also welcomed the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf (CLCS)’s efforts to examine member countries’ reports last year, and underscored the need to amend CLCS’s operation rules to make it possible to offer recommendations to rejected reports, including those made by Vietnam, in accordance with the UNCLOS.
Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga affirmed Vietnam's stance, according to which the East Sea dispute should be resolved through peaceful means, in accordance with international law, including the Law of the Sea Convention. Stakeholders need to implement fully and effectively the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) and soon achieved a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC).
