Vietnam emphasizes the role of UNCLOS 1982 in ensuring global maritime security: Deputy FM Le Thi Thu Hang
WVR - On April 27, the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) held a high-level discussion on the topic “Safety and Security of Waterways in the Maritime Domain”, proposed by Bahrain, the rotating President of the Security Council.
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| Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang speaks at the United Nations Security Council session on maritime security, urging adherence to international law and peaceful dispute resolution. (Source: Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations) |
The session was chaired by Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani, with the participation of UN Secretary-General António Guterres, International Maritime Organization (IMO) Secretary-General Arsenio Dominguez, along with UN member states and several experts.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres warned that global maritime safety is becoming a test for the international order as piracy, terrorism, geopolitical competition, and actions hindering freedom of navigation continue to threaten international peace and security.
He called for ensuring the safety of sailors, restoring unobstructed maritime traffic, respecting international law and rights of passage at sea, while promoting dialogue, restraint, and peaceful dispute resolution.
The majority of countries attending the meeting expressed concern about conflicts leading to serious challenges for critical maritime transport routes, emphasizing that ensuring the security, safety, and smooth operation of international maritime routes is essential for trade, energy, supply chains, and global growth.
Countries also affirmed the necessity of respecting international law, ensuring freedom of navigation and aviation, and called for enhanced cooperation, information sharing, support for improving maritime law enforcement capacity, and protection of commercial ships and crew members.
Speaking at the session, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang expressed deep concern over the complex developments in maritime security at strategic shipping routes, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz.
This situation threatens international peace and stability, directly affecting the global supply chain and economic development of many countries, especially developing nations.
The Deputy Minister also expressed concern about the humanitarian impact of the current tensions, especially on ships and crew in the Strait of Hormuz.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang affirmed that the freedom of navigation and aviation, including the right to safe, continuous, and unobstructed passage through international straits, must be respected based on international law, as stipulated in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982, a comprehensive legal framework governing all activities at sea and oceans.
Vietnam calls on member states to interpret and apply the Convention on the Law of the Sea consistently and in good faith, without selectivity, where rights and obligations must go hand in hand.
The Deputy Minister emphasized that all disputes and differences must be resolved by peaceful means, based on international law and the UN Charter, respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of nations.
Deputy Minister Le Thi Thu Hang urged relevant parties to exercise restraint, refrain from unilateral actions that increase tensions, and support dialogue and diplomatic measures to build trust towards sustainable solutions.
Affirming the role of the UNSC and specialized organizations like the IMO in ensuring maritime security, the Deputy Minister welcomed regional initiatives in line with Chapter VIII of the UN Charter, promoting dialogue, building trust, and peaceful solutions.
(Source: Permanent Mission of Vietnam to the United Nations)
