Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh delivered the remarks at the UNSC High-level Open Debate on “EnhancingMaritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” which was held virtually on August 9.

The following is the full text of the remarks.

Mr. President,

Excellencies,

          Good evening from Hanoi.And thank you very much, Mr. President, for taking the initiative and convening the first-ever Security Council Open Debate on Enhancing MaritimeSecurity.

          Evenwhen the world is devoting much resource to the fight against COVID-19, thetopic of our discussion is of strategic and substantial importance.

          Vietnam especially commends and echoes India's Five S Approach at the SecurityCouncil. Vietnam is committed to working with India and other Council membersin promoting dialogue, cooperation and mutual respect, for global peace andprosperity.

          Let me also thank the briefers for your extensive and insightful presentations.

Mr. President,

          Oceans and seas provide animmense resource for mankind. They also serve as the lifeline of internationaltrade and the gateway connecting countries and continents, and arecritical to the development and prosperity of states and nations.

          Recognizing the importanceof oceans and seas, nations have created important cooperation mechanisms, bothbilateral and multilateral, at regional and global levels. Most remarkably, the1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has truly becomethe Constitution of oceans and seas, the universal and unified legal frameworkwithin which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out, and thebasis for international cooperation to address common challenges in the world.

          Nevertheless, at sea, weare faced with both traditional and non-traditional security challenges.Terrorism and criminal acts, especially organized crime, have been expanding inscope and complexity. Climate change, sea level rise and pollution of themarine environment, especially by plastic debris and degradation of the marineecosystem, have caused serious and long-term consequences. Unilateralacts that violate international law, even threats or uses offorce, have escalated tensions and affected peace, friendship, security, safetyand freedom of navigation and trade, as well as efforts to addressnon-traditional security challenges.

          Therefore, preserving andenhancing maritime security is in the common interest, and has become an urgenttask and shared responsibility of the entire international community.

Mr. President,

          As a littoral state, Vietnamcomprehends profoundly the immense value of the sea as well as challenges tomaritime security.

          Vietnamis implementing the Strategy for the sustainable development of the marineeconomy, which aims to utilize marine resources in a sustainable andresponsible manner to contribute to the country’s overall development. TheStrategy also aims to enhance Vietnam’s law enforcement capacity, ensure effective settlement of maritime issues, and safeguard the sovereignty, sovereign rights, jurisdiction and other legitimateinterests of Vietnam over its maritime zones. 

          Vietnam consistently pursuesa foreign policy of peace, independence, self-reliance, multilateralization anddiversification of international relations, as a trusted friend and partner,and a reliable member of the international community. Vietnam stands ready tocooperate, exchange information and share experience with other countries inefforts to address maritime security issues and to contribute positively to themaintenance of a peaceful and secured maritime environment, and sustainabledevelopment in the region and the world.

          In that connection, I would like to make the following proposals:

          First, it is imperativethat states and international organizations develop a comprehensive, extensiveand broad awareness of the importance of oceans and seas, and the threats tomaritime security. Such awareness shall form the basis for greaterresponsibility and political will to strengthen confidence and develop morecohesive and effective cooperation arrangements, in order to preserve andutilize oceans and seas in a sustainable manner, and safeguard a peaceful andstable maritime environment. Resources should be made available for theimplementation of national strategies and regulations to meet this end.

          Second, maritime securityis a global issue and therefore requires global solutions. We need to take acomprehensive and holistic approach based on cooperation, dialogue andinternational law, and forge stronger cooperation through bilateral andmultilateral channels and at regional, inter-regional and global levels toeffectively address maritime security challenges.

          Vietnam proposes thedevelopment of a network of arrangements and initiatives for regional maritime securitywith the United Nations working as the coordinator, to bolsterinformation and experience sharing, coordinate actions, and address commonchallenges in a timely manner.

Vietnam values and actively takes part ininitiatives and mechanisms in ASEAN and between ASEAN and its partners forpractical cooperation in the South China Sea. They provide forums for dialogueand confidence building, and help coordinate maritime security cooperationefforts.

Vietnam is determined to work with ASEAN and China toseriously, fully and effectively implement the 2002 Declaration of Conduct ofParties in the South China Sea (DOC), and negotiate an effective andsubstantive Code of Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (COC) consistentwith international law, in particular UNCLOS 1982. In addition, Vietnam calls upon all countries and multilateral institutions,especially UN agencies, to step up assistance and pay due attention to thehardships and interests of developing countries.

          Third, the policies,regulations and conducts of states at sea must be in line with internationallaw, especially the United Nations Charter and UNCLOS 1982.

          Statesshall uphold fully their legal obligations under the Convention, respect the sovereignty, interests and legitimate economic activities of relevant states, settledisputes through peaceful means in line with international law, respectdiplomatic and legal processes, and ensure freedom, safety and security ofnavigation and overflight, without resorting to acts that would complicate thesituation or create tension.      

Mr. President,

          It is my strong belief andfervent hope that the Security Council will uphold its primary role andresponsibility in maintaining international peace and security, and continue tomake important and concrete contributions to enhancing maritime security.

          Vietnam stands ready to make greater contributions topromoting dialogue and building confidence, and join the internationalcommunity to maintain security at sea and to realize the ocean’s enormouspotential, for a future of peace and prosperity for all as peace, cooperation and developmentis the irreversible course of our world today.

          Thank you very much./.