Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chairs the second meeting of the steering committee on the East Sea and islands on Monday. — VNA/VNS Photo Dương Giang

HÀ NỘI — Prime Minister Phạm Minh Chính chaired a meeting with leaders of ministries and agencies in Hà Nội on Monday to thoroughly review the implementation of Resolution No 36-NQ/TW on the strategy for sustainable development of Việt Nam's marine economy by 2030, with a vision to 2045, as well as other key contents outlined in the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution.

In light of the recent developments in the world, region and the East Sea (known internationally as the South China Sea), along with the nation's evolving needs, PM Chính asked ministries, agencies and localities to continue following the Party's guidelines and the State's laws, including the 13th National Party Congress’s Resolution and the Government’s Resolution on national defence strategy in the new situation.

He urged proactive and effective fulfilment of all tasks, aiming for significant, tangible results across all areas.

They must pool all available resources to propel the sustainable development of the sea-based economy while ensuring that national defence-security remains integral to these efforts.

Enhancing the nation’s ability to enforce and protect sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction at sea was highlighted as a priority, he said.

Additionally, ministries, agencies and localities must persist in maintaining a foreign policy of independence and self-reliance, multilateralism and diversification of external ties, and enhancing international cooperation on maritime issues in accordance with international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), the leader noted.

Addressing the pressing issue of illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing, the PM ordered strict adherence to the Party Central Committee's Secretariat and Prime Minister’s Directives.

These efforts are pivotal in preventing and eliminating violations by Vietnamese fishing vessels in foreign waters, with the ultimate goal of having the European Commission's "yellow card" removed.

The PM also stressed the importance of raising public awareness and fostering consensus within society and the political system on the significance and role of East Sea and island-related affairs, thus contributing to maintaining peace, stability and development cooperation at sea. — VNA/VNS