Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu, Chair of SPLOS 35, presides over the session. (Photo: Pham Huan/VOV-Washington)

The meeting, which concluded Friday, convened 170 member states, observer countries, heads of bodies established under the Convention, and interested international organizations. According to Mr. Vu, it’s significant that Vietnam is taking on the presidency for the first time at the most important annual meeting on the implementation of UNCLOS. 

Chair Nguyen Minh Vu speaks at the podium. (Photo: Pham Huan/VOV-Washington)

“Vietnam’s undertaking of this responsibility demonstrates the respect of UNCLOS member states for Vietnam’s contributions over the years. Since joining and implementing the Convention, Vietnam has been very active in promoting the full and comprehensive implementation of the Convention, as well as the settlement of disputes by peaceful means, ensuring the legitimate interests of member states in accordance with international law,” Mr. Vu said.

In his remarks following the election and as he began chairing the meeting, Deputy Minister Vu underscored the success of the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) held earlier this month in Nice, France, and ongoing efforts to promote the early entry into force of the Agreement on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity in Areas Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ).

He called on countries to uphold multilateralism, engage in discussions in a spirit of cooperation and constructiveness, and propose measures to advance the implementation of UNCLOS.