Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính addresses the high-level open debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), held virtually on August 9. VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

 HÀ NỘI – Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính made proposals on how to effectively tackle challenges to maritime security while addressing the high-level open debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), held virtually on August 9.

He highlighted the need to increase comprehensive awareness of the significance of seas as well as possible threats to maritime security, as it is essential to promote responsibility and political resolve, reinforce trust, build closer and more effective cooperation mechanisms to ensure a maritime environment of peace and stability, and exploit maritime resources sustainably.

"Maritime security is a global issue, so it needs a global solution," he continued, suggesting setting up a network of mechanisms and initiatives on regional maritime security to be coordinated by the UN to increase the sharing of information and experience, and take joint actions to cope with common challenges in a timely manner.

Policies, laws and behaviours of countries should be in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), and activities that would complicate the situation and cause tensions should be averted, he said.

Việt Nam has worked to actively contribute to maintaining an environment of peace and security, as well as the ecology and sustainable development in the region and the world, the PM emphasised.

"Việt Nam is resolved, together with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, to seriously, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and negotiate to build a substantive and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC) in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS," he said.

The Prime Minister’s attendance at the debate was made at the invitation of PM Narendra Modi of India that is holding the UNSC’s rotating Presidency.

This is the first time maritime security has been discussed as an exclusive agenda item at the UNSC.

Participants expressed their concern over increasing threats to maritime security and safety, and shared their view on the need to strengthen international cooperation to cope with such challenges, observe international law, especially the 1982 UNCLOS, and promote regional and global initiatives to enhance maritime security.

The UNSC adopted a presidential statement calling for stronger regional and international cooperation to address challenges to maritime security and safety, acknowledging the significance of the UNCLOS, calling on the UN and the international community to further support countries to improve their capabilities and share experience in handling threats to maritime security. VNS