Addressing the United Nations Security Council’s High-level Open Debate on “Enhancing Maritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation” held virtually on Monday, PM Phạm underlined the need to uphold responsibility, consolidate trust and formulate effective cooperation mechanisms to ensure peaceful and stable maritime environment and sustainable exploitation of marine resources.

Maritime security, as Phạm said, is a global issue that requires global solutions based on cooperation, dialogue and international law. Cooperation should be enhanced at all levels and frameworks in order to effectively deal with maritime security challenges.

The Vietnamese PM suggested development of a network of arrangements and initiatives for regional maritime security with the United Nations working as the coordinator, to bolster information and experience sharing, coordinate actions, and address common challenges in a timely manner.

Phạm also emphasized that policies, regulations and conducts of states at sea must be in line with international law, especially the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

States shall uphold fully their legal obligations under the Convention, respect the sovereignty, interests and legitimate economic activities of relevant states, settle disputes through peaceful means in line with international law, respect diplomatic and legal processes, and ensure freedom, safety and security of navigation and overflight, without resorting to acts that would complicate the situation or create tension, said Phạm.

As a littoral country, Viet Nam has actively worked to contribute to the maintenance of peace, security, ecology and sustainable development in the region and the world, said Phạm.

He affirmed Viet Nam’s resolve to collaborate with ASEAN member countries and China to seriously, fully and effectively implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC), and work toward conclusion of a substantial and effective Code of Conduct in the East Sea in accordance with international law, especially the UNCLOS 1982.

Phạm emphasized that Viet Nam stands ready to make greater contributions to promoting dialogue and building confidence, and join the international community to maintain security at sea and to realize the ocean’s enormous potential, for a future of peace and prosperity for all mankind.

After all, peace, cooperation and development is the inevitable course of the world today, he stated.

The open debate, chaired by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, were attended by several heads of state and government of member states of the UNSC, and high-level briefers from the UN system and key regional organizations.

However, this is the first time that maritime security will be discussed in a holistic manner as an exclusive agenda item in such a high level open debate./.