Vietnam is a leading nation in developing, implementing marine and ocean policies: Timor-Leste Ambassador
Sharing with the World and Vietnam Report regarding Vietnam's efforts in marine cooperation on the sidelines of the 15th Ocean Dialogue, Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Vietnam João Pereira, emphasized that Vietnam is an active nation with extensive experience in developing, implementing, and advancing marine and ocean policies.
Latest
 |
| Timor-Leste's Ambassador to Vietnam, João Pereira shared with the World and Vietnam Report on the sidelines of the 15th Sea Dialogue, September 18 in Hanoi. (Photo: Thanh Long) |
How does the Ambassador assess Vietnam's role in promoting the implementation of the High Seas Treaty – BBNJ (The Agreement on Marine Biological Diversity of Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction)?
Over the past decade, Vietnam's economy has grown steadily and rapidly. This economic development is inseparable from marine and ocean development. Vietnam has clearly emerged as a leading nation in developing and implementing policies related to marine and ocean issues in general.
Vietnam is prioritizing marine development, highlighted by its vision of becoming a strong maritime nation, thereby affirming its important role in the region. This is why forums like the Ocean Dialogue are extremely significant. Marine forums organized by Vietnam bring together policymakers and scholars to evaluate progress in implementing international maritime law, international cooperation in marine protection, and address intertwined challenges in marine governance.
According to the Ambassador, what role does international cooperation play in marine and ocean protection, especially between Timor-Leste and Vietnam in implementing the BBNJ Agreement specifically and in enforcing international law in general?
The relationship between Timor-Leste and Vietnam is developing robustly. In the three years since I assumed my duties in Vietnam, we have witnessed an extremely effective and substantive partnership, with significant progress in various fields, including marine cooperation and promoting the enforcement of international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982. Timor-Leste is proud to support and vote for Vietnam's candidate, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thi Lan Anh, to become a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS).
In broader marine issues, Timor-Leste is closely cooperating with Vietnam. As a new member of ASEAN, we have much to learn, and Vietnam is one of the countries we actively seek to learn from regarding marine issue management and ensuring sustainable ocean development.
The diplomatic relations between the two countries are also reaching new heights. With the recent establishment of the Vietnamese Embassy in Timor-Leste, the newly appointed Ambassador presented his credentials on September 29. This marks a milestone in gradually strengthening the relationship between the two countries, serving the best interests of both nations.
Moreover, we wish to closely cooperate with Vietnam in developing the marine economy, particularly in the fisheries sector. Timor-Leste's fisheries industry in the surrounding seas has great potential but has not been effectively exploited. We hope to collaborate with Vietnamese investors to develop this sector. Along with the increasingly strengthened relations between the two countries and broader economic cooperation, marine economic development remains a promising field that we are actively exploring and promoting.
 |
| The clear blue waters of the dock in Sinh Ton Island commune, Truong Sa district, Khanh Hoa province, Vietnam. (Photo: Pham Anh Tuan) |
ASEAN and China are working towards completing the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). How does the Ambassador view the significance of the COC, and what are the expectations for this Code?
The COC is an extremely important agenda for ASEAN. Successfully completing and implementing the Code of Conduct will significantly contribute to regional development, promote peace and stability at sea, and enhance effective bilateral and multilateral relations among the 11 ASEAN member countries as well as between ASEAN and China.
How does the Ambassador assess the role of ASEAN, and specifically Vietnam's participation, in promoting peace and stability in the East Sea?
The East Sea has always been one of the focal issues on our agenda – ASEAN. With Vietnam's responsible spirit and constructive stance, I believe that all ASEAN member countries are working towards the common goal of promoting peace and stability in the region.
Each member country is making efforts to coordinate together to resolve disputes through dialogue and negotiation to ensure peace and stability at sea. I am highly confident that our ASEAN Community is a community that values dialogue for peace. Therefore, I am certain that any conflicts or issues arising in the region can be successfully resolved through ASEAN's mechanisms.
Thank you very much, Ambassador!
