Assistant to the Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at a ceremony to mark 30 years of the entry into force of UNCLOS, Hanoi, December 10, 2024. (Photo: VNA)

He described UNCLOS as one of the most important legal documents  of the 20th century and a significant achievement in international law. Vietnam advocates the settlement of maritime disputes through peaceful means and in accordance with international law, including UNCLOS, Mr. Vu said.

In line with this approach, Vietnam has made remarkable progress in resolving maritime boundary issues with neighboring countries, has actively participated in international mechanisms established under UNCLOS, and has proposed many initiatives recognized by the international community.

Mr. Vu said Vietnam served as a member of the International Seabed Authority Council, made substantial contributions to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, and signed the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction.

Vietnam and 11 other countries co-founded the "UNCLOS Group of Friends", garnering over 100 member states to promote UNCLOS implementation.