ITLOS President praises professionalism of Vietnam’s legal experts
WVR - Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh hosted Judge Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hanoi on May 6 during the latter's working visit to Vietnam.
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| Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives ITLOS President Tomas Heidar on May 6, 2025. (Photo: VGP) |
At the meeting, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh reaffirmed the vital importance of the sea to Vietnam, especially as the country pursues its vision of becoming a strong and sustainable maritime nation. He cited Resolution No. 36-NQ/TW of the Party Central Committee on the Strategy for Sustainable Development of Vietnam’s Marine Economy, stating that the sea represents a crucial space for survival, development, and national prosperity.
The Prime Minister underscored the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing it as the "Constitution of the Oceans" that provides the legal framework for all maritime activities. He affirmed Vietnam’s consistent policy of respecting and fully complying with international law, including UNCLOS, and of resolving disputes peacefully — including maritime disputes.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh congratulated ITLOS on its contributions to the peaceful settlement of international disputes concerning the interpretation and application of UNCLOS. In his view, ITLOS acts as a level playing field where all member states, large or small, can present their legal views on maritime matters and safeguard their legitimate rights and interests.
The Prime Minister commended ITLOS for organizing numerous events and training programs to enhance understanding of international maritime law. He particularly welcomed the success of the regional workshop titled “The Role of ITLOS in the Settlement of Disputes Relating to the Law of the Sea” held in Hanoi on May 5–6, 2025, noting it as a new step forward in Vietnam–ITLOS relations.
Highlighting the importance of regular engagement, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh called on ITLOS to continue supporting Vietnam in training a pool of highly qualified legal professionals capable of working in international legal settings, resolving disputes, and contributing to global multilateral institutions. He welcomed ITLOS’s inclusion of Vietnamese professionals among its staff and informed that Vietnam has nominated a well-qualified candidate for the position of ITLOS judge for the 2026–2035 term.
For his part, Judge Tomas Heidar expressed appreciation for the Vietnamese government’s active support in hosting the regional workshop. He praised Vietnam as an ideal host for the workshop, citing its active role in the Third United Nations Conference on the Law of the Sea and its early signing and ratification of the UNCLOS.
According to the ITLOS President, Vietnam already ratified the Agreement relating to the Implementation of Part XI (2006) and the UN Fish Stocks Agreement (2018). The country is also among the first to sign the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity of Areas beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).
Judge Tomas Heidar expressed appreciation for Vietnam’s active support of ITLOS’s work and commended the professional caliber of the country’s legal experts. ITLOS President highlighted Vietnam’s constructive participation in the tribunal’s advisory proceedings on climate change, as well as its nomination of a highly qualified Vietnamese legal expert for the position of ITLOS judge for the 2026–2035 term.
The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) is an independent judicial body established by the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It has jurisdiction over any dispute concerning the interpretation or application of the Convention, and over all matters specifically provided for in any other agreement which confers jurisdiction on the Tribunal. Disputes relating to the Convention may concern the delimitation of maritime zones, navigation, conservation and management of the living resources of the sea, protection and preservation of the marine environment and marine scientific research. Since its establishment, ITLOS has handled and resolved more than 30 maritime disputes. The tribunal plays a vital role in safeguarding the integrity of UNCLOS, clarifying legal issues, and promoting compliance with the convention. |
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