The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) workshop (Photo: cand.com.vn)

The ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) workshop, co-organised by the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the EU, Australia, and New Zealand, brought together 200 representatives from the 27 ARF countries, international organizations, diplomatic missions, research institutes, ministries, and agencies.

Delegates on Wednesday hailed the 1982 UNCLOS as the most important legal tool for maintaining peace and stability in the region. UNCLOS creates a framework for settling both traditional and emerging maritime issues.

A workshop on Thursday focused on international cooperation in ocean conservation and sustainable use, negotiation of international agreements on marine biodiversity in exclusive economic zones; climate change adaptation, and regional fisheries authorities.