Paris (VNA) - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s participation in thꦐe third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) and related side events from June 9–13 reflects Vietnam’s proactive approach and its commitment to working with the international community to address global issues.
Speaking to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA)’s correspondent in Paris, Vietnamese Ambassador to France Dinh Toan Thang said this aligns with the key directions set by the Vietnamese Party and State on sustainable marine economic development.
The ambassador stressed that UNOC3 is a strategically important international event with direct implications for achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 14 on the conservation and sustainable use of the ocean.
Ambassador Thang underlined that the health of the world’s oceans is in alarming decline. Mobilising efforts not only from governments but also from all stakeholders, including the scientific community, private sector, civil society, and even individuals, is essential to drive real change.
At the international level, UNOC3 serves as a catalyst for translating awareness into concrete action, turning policy commitments into tangible results. It is a vital forum for countries to assess current progress, share best practices, enhance cooperation, and propose practical initiatives to restore the ocean's health, a shared treasure of humanity.
The primeval forest, part of a rare tropical rainforest ecosystem with multiple layers of vegetation, makes Con Co truly a green island with rich and diverse flora. (Illustrative photo: VNA)
PM’s working trip also concretises Vietnam’s foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralisation, diversification, and intensive and extensive international integration. It highlights Vietnam’s efforts to enhance multilateral diplomacy and foster stronger ties with major and strategic partners, the ambassador added.
He reiterated that Vietnam has long affirmed its role as a responsible and active member of the international community, adhering to international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). Vietnam also takes a proactive stance in conserving and sustainably using marine resources, and stands ready to contribute to global efforts in this domain.
Vietnam’s engagement in UNOC3 is an opportunity to showcase its achievements in implementing SDG-14, exchange experiences with international partners, and boost cooperation in marine science, technology, equipment, and finance, the ambassador said.
From a bilateral perspective, this marks PM Chinh’s second visit to France, and holds special significance as it follows the upgrade of the Vietnam–France relationship to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in October 2024.
The visit is also a chance to enhance high-level exchanges between Vietnam and France, reinforcing commitments and advancing the scope of bilateral cooperation. These interactions reflect the dynamic development of the newly elevated Vietnam–France Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.
The ambassador noted that Vietnam’s active participation in UNOC3 and its side events in Nice and Monaco represents a continuation of Vietnam’s cooperation with both France and Monaco in marine affairs.
Regarding national policies on ocean protection, Ambassador Thang affirmed that Vietnam considers marine conservation and sustainable use of ocean resources a top national priority. The ocean is not only a vital living space but also a key driver of sustainable development.
Vietnam’s marine policies are built on a solid legal foundation and implemented in a comprehensive manner, reflecting the country’s strong sense of responsibility for the seas. Notably, the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Vietnam's Marine Economy till 2030, with a vision to 2045, outlines clear objectives for Vietnam to become a strong and prosperous maritime nation. This is supported by the Vietnam Maritime Law and detailed guiding regulations, which provide a robust legal framework for marine environment management, exploitation, and protection.
Vietnam is strongly focusing on sustainable management and conservation of marine resources. The country pays special attention to combatting illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing and encourages a transition to sustainable aquaculture and fisheries models.
Vietnam is also taking decisive action to tackle marine pollution, especially the problem of ocean plastic waste. The country has implemented several national action programmes to address pollution from both land-based and marine activities. At the same time, it is actively pursuing measures to respond to climate change and rising sea levels, particularly to protect vulnerable coastal zones.
Lastly, the ambassador highlighted that Vietnam is promoting the development of a blue economy, encouraging eco-friendly industries such as marine ecotourism and offshore renewable energy. The country remains an active participant in regional and global forums and initiatives on ocean governance, affirming its role as a responsible partner in international efforts to safeguard the marine environment./.
Speaking to the media on the occasion of the Vietnamese PM’s visit to France to attend the conference, co-hosted by France and Costa Rica, and engage in a range of bilateral activities, the diplomat remarked that Vietnam’s presence and voice at the conference are particularly meaningful.
The trip is made at the invitation of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and President of Frannce Emmanuel Macron, Prime Minister of Estonia Kristen Michal, and Prime Minister of Sweden Ulf Kristersson.
The Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam (DAV), in collaboration with the Konrad-Adenauer-Stiftung (KAS) Institute in Vietnam, hosted the 13th Ocean Dialogue under the theme “Exploring New Frontiers of the High and Deep Seas" on November 14.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
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Lao Minister of Foreign Affairs Thongsavanh Phomvihane affirmed that the presence of Vietnamese press offices in Laos vividly demonstrates the great friendship, special solidarity, and comprehensive cooperation between the two nations, as the press is not only a means of communication but also an important bridge for spreading consciousness about the history, values, and strategic depth of the Laos – Vietnam relationship to the people of both countries and the international community.
The country is willing to participate in collective efforts to promote cooperation and mobilise resources to advance the current priority issues of developing countries, such as trade, investment, infrastructure connectivity, making the most of scientific and technological advances for development, and people-to-people exchanges, Hang said.
During the negotiations, the US highly evaluated Vietnam’s goodwill and efforts, affirmed its appreciation for the bilateral relationship, acknowledged Vietnam’s proposals and concerns, and considered these an important basis for continuing discussions and moving towards a final agreement.
The Chairman stressed the need for stricter fiscal discipline, faster digital transformation, and more efficient management of State budget revenues and expenditures.
