Mr. President,
Viet Nam aligns itself with the statement made by Cuba on behalf of the G77 and China.
At the outset, I would like to thank the Secretary-General for presenting his comprehensive report on the oceans and the law of the sea.
We reiterate our appreciation for the diligent efforts of Singapore and Norway in facilitating the negotiation of the respective draft resolutions on oceans and the law of the sea and on sustainable fisheries.
These resolutions re-emphasize the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) as the most comprehensive legal framework, within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out.
It also serves as the basis for national, regional and global action in tackling common challenges and developing sustainably.
Mr. President,
1. The ocean remains under threat on multiple fronts, which cause deterioration of the health of marine ecosystems and biodiversity.
Meanwhile, addressing climate change remains an urgent priority.
In particular, sea-level rise has become a present threat to humankind.
Maritime disputes persist.
Transnational organized crimes committed at sea continue unabated.
2. In this context, we welcome global efforts to promote the conservation and sustainable use of oceans, seas and marine resources and achieve every target of the SDG 14, including the consensus General Assembly Resolution 77/276 of 29 March 2023 to request the International Court of Justice to render an advisory opinion on the obligations of States in respect of climate change. We also welcome the successful adoption of the BBNJ Agreement.
Being one of its early signatories, we look forward to the swift entry into force and full implementation of the BBNJ Agreement.
We strongly believe that this third implementation agreement of UNCLOS shall further reinforce the Convention.
Additionally, negotiation of a legally binding instrument in 2024 to end plastic pollution represents another opportunity to enhance the resilience of the marine environment and protect marine ecosystems and species.
These demonstrate a consolidation of multilateralism and other milestones in the development of international law.
3. While significant progress was made to strengthen the legal order for the seas and oceans, further urgent efforts will be needed to strengthen the rule of law in the oceans and secure a healthier, more resilient and more productive ocean for the benefit of current and future generations.
In this regard, we call for full compliance with UNCLOS, including the obligation to settle disputes by peaceful means and respect for the rights of coastal States to peacefully conduct legitimate economic activities in their maritime areas as defined in accordance with UNCLOS.
Efforts should also be made in order to ensure a balance between the goal of conservation and sustainable development of fisheries and the needs for social security and livelihood of the coastal population.
In this connection, Viet Nam strongly supports initiatives to respond to climate change, with the assistance of appropriate methods and mechanisms, to join hands with the world community to reduce its adverse effects, in accordance with the principle of common but differentiated responsibilities and respective capabilities.
Besides, we should further focus on the ocean science-policy interface.
This is essential for innovation and transformative change to address the triple planetary crisis and ensure the sustainable development of the ocean.
Mr. President,
4. As a coastal state in the East Sea (South China Sea) which is strategically important to peace, security and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region and in the world, Viet Nam attaches great importance to ensuring peace and security in the South China Sea in accordance with the Convention.
Viet Nam is concerned over recent activities and serious incidents that go against UNCLOS and undermine peace and security in the South China Sea.
In this regard, Viet Nam reaffirms the importance of upholding UNCLOS and emphasizes the need to pursue peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with the Convention.
We look forward to working with other ASEAN members and relevant partners to promote the role of UNCLOS in addressing common challenges and maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region, including to conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea that is consistent with the Convention.
Mr. President,
Viet Nam is honored to be a co-sponsor of this year's omnibus resolution on oceans and the law of the sea, a result of active discussions among member states.
We believe that by joining hands, we can collectively uphold the rule of law in the oceans as established by the Convention, identify challenges, and promote better international cooperation in ocean governance, conservation, and the sustainable use of oceans and seas in accordance with the Convention.
I thank you./.