Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the launch, Ambassador Dang Dinh Quy, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the UN, said Vietnam is honoured to be among 12 founders of the group of friends and they’re committed to observing and promoting the UNCLOS, UN Charter and international law, he said.

He expected the group will contribute to enhancing understanding of the UNCLOS, applying the convention in the delimitation of maritime boundaries, peaceful settlement of disputes, and ocean management, thereby meeting the international community’s common interests.

The event provides an opportunity for UN member states to increase awareness of the importance of sea laws in a way that is beneficial to the international community, Quy told Vietnam News Agency correspondents after the event.

It is also a forum for heightening the rule of law in solving differences in international relations, he said, adding that it is even more meaningful to Vietnam as it is the first Group of Friends initiated and advocated by the country.