On December 10, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam issued a statement on the occasion of the 42nd anniversary of the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), highlighting the significance and enduring value of this legal instrument in global ocean governance.
The statement underscored that UNCLOS 1982 is one of the most outstanding achievements in international law, providing a comprehensive legal framework regulating all activities at sea and in the oceans. As a maritime nation, Vietnam has always valued and consistently applied the provisions of the Convention in building and completing its maritime laws and in relevant international cooperation activities.
The Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed the country's consistent stance on settling maritime disputes through peaceful means, respecting diplomatic and legal processes under the Convention, thereby contributing to maintaining peace, stability, and cooperation in the region and the world.
Amid increasingly complex maritime security challenges, the full and strict implementation of UNCLOS 1982 is of particular importance, serving as a foundation for States to promote cooperation, protect the marine environment, sustainably exploit marine resources, and adapt to climate change. Vietnam will continue to coordinate closely with member States and international organizations to preserve and promote the value of the Convention in the coming time.
