(Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs)

The workshop, which marked the 10th anniversary of the ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF), was held both online and offline, and focused on ASEAN's cohesive and responsive approach to maritime cooperation.

Attendees agreed that maritime cooperation should be built on harmonising national and regional priorities and interests, and countries’ development plans.

Some suggested that ASEAN step up collaboration in maritime connectivity and trade, marine environmental protection, maritime security and safety, search and rescue, humanitarian assistance for people and vessels in distress at sea, preventing illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, protecting the livelihoods of coastal communities, and maritime scientific research.

Delegates highlighted the need to increase information sharing and coordination among agencies, and abide by international law, especially UNCLOS. Attendees welcomed Vietnam’s initiative to build a comprehensive, cohesive and responsive approach of maritime cooperation.