 Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh receives Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) in Hanoi on May 6. (Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV) |
At a reception in Hanoi on Tuesday for Tomas Heidar, President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), the Prime Minister stressed the critical importance of the sea to Vietnam, particularly as the country pursues its strategic goal of becoming a strong coastal country with sustainable development, prosperity, security, and safety.
Describing the 1982 UNCLOS as the “constitution of the oceans,” the PM underscored its role as the legal foundation for all maritime activities, fostering order, peace, stability, and sustainable development in regions like the East Sea.
 At the reception (Photo: Lai Hoa/VOV) |
He reiterated Vietnam’s consistent policy of strictly respecting and complying with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and peacefully settling all differences and disputes, including those related to maritime issues.
He proposed ITLOS continue assisting Vietnam in training and capacity-building efforts to develop a contingent of legal experts well-versed in international law, including the law of the sea. This, he stressed, is crucial to enable Vietnamese legal professionals to operate in international legal institutions and multilateral mechanisms.
Heidar expressed gratitude for Vietnam’s strong support for ITLOS, including its contributions to advisory proceedings on climate change and the nomination of a highly qualified Vietnamese candidate for the 2026–2035 ITLOS judge position.