The first-ever appointment of a judge to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea reinforces the pride of Vietnamese foreign policy.

Ministre Le Hoai Trung : The International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is one of the most important international judicial institutions in matters of international law in general, and maritime law in particular. Established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982), the Tribunal, after 30 years of operation, has contributed significantly to the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes, promoting consistent interpretation and application of UNCLOS 1982, and thereby strengthening the legal order at sea. It also helps promote friendly relations, cooperation and development among nations around the world.

In a context of increasingly intertwined and interdependent issues concerning the seas and oceans, peace, security and sustainable development, the role of international judicial mechanisms, such as the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), is of increasing importance. ITLOS has also made significant contributions to new international issues of major importance for the development of nations, notably by formulating its 2024 advisory opinion on international law and climate change related to the seas and oceans.

Maintaining the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea as the comprehensive international legal framework governing all activities at sea, including the crucial role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, is in the common interest of the international community, including coastal States, developing countries and States with legitimate interests at sea. The role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea and its judges has generally been praised by countries around the world and international legal experts over the years.

Considering the role of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the election of Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh as a judge of this tribunal by the UNCLOS Member States of 1982, with the highest number of votes among the candidates, testifies to the positive appreciation of the UNCLOS Member States of 1982 and the international community regarding Vietnam’s desire to contribute to respecting and guaranteeing the supremacy of international maritime law in international affairs, particularly during a period of significant developments in this area.

This result also demonstrates the accuracy and effectiveness of an independent, autonomous foreign policy, strengthening its autonomy, peaceful, friendly, cooperative and focused on development, multilateralization and diversification of relations external, comprehensive, deep and effective international integration, the promotion of multilateral diplomacy and the promotion of the supremacy of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and the UNCLOS of 1982.

Party and state leaders showed keen interest and support, and many Vietnamese ministries, agencies and representations abroad actively supported the candidacy of Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh. This strong support from various countries also testifies to the international recognition of the development of Vietnamese international law, particularly maritime law, as well as the professional skills, experience and personal prestige of the Vietnamese candidate.

In view of the long road traveled in recent years in terms of international integration, Vietnam, a country which has actively integrated and rigorously applied international law, is increasingly participating in the discussions, elaboration and development of international legal principles and standards. We have made numerous contributions to important legal mechanisms and processes, such as the International Law Commission, the Legal-Technical Commission of the International Seabed Authority, the International Trade Law Commission (UNCITRAL) and many other multilateral fora.

The election of the first Vietnamese expert as a judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea is the result of long work carried out by our competent agencies in the areas of international cooperation, training of experts and promotion of participation in multilateral diplomacy. This appointment marks a new stage in international legal integration and testifies to the prestige, the capacity to contribute and the growing role of the country within the international community.

Reporter: What does this important step suggest about Vietnam’s overall path of international integration and its future contributions to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea?

Ministre Le Hoai Trung : The world faces many complex global problems that no country can solve alone, whether it is climate change, energy security, food security or governance of the seas and oceans. In this context, multilateralism, international cooperation and the rule of law remain essential tools enabling countries, particularly developing countries, to protect their legitimate rights and interests and contribute to the common good.

As a coastal country, Vietnam attaches great importance to peace, stability, security, freedom of navigation and sustainable development. Vietnam will continue to work with other countries to promote full compliance with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, the “Constitution of the Oceans”, to peacefully resolve disputes, strengthen maritime cooperation, protect the marine environment and sustainably exploit ocean resources.

For Vietnam, the very first election of an international legal expert as judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea constitutes a concrete step in the implementation of the foreign policy guidelines defined by the XIV National Congress and specified by Resolution 06 recently adopted by the Politburo This appointment injects momentum into the pursuit of a more proactive, positive, constructive and effective foreign policy, with the aim of carrying out crucial and permanent foreign affairs missions and contributing to the efforts of the international community to maintain an international order based on the rule of law. fairness and transparency, as stated by Secretary General and President To Lam. In this new phase, international integration will clearly evolve from simple participation to real contribution to the development and implementation of international standards and laws, depending on national interests, in accordance with international law and the common interests of the international community.

Associate Professor Nguyen Thi Lan Anh will serve as a judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, with complete independence and objectivity, in accordance with the statutes of the Tribunal and the relevant provisions of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). With her recognized qualities, skills and expertise, we are convinced that she will successfully carry out her duties and contribute positively to the work of the Tribunal and the development of international law. This appointment also encourages Vietnamese experts to become more involved in international legal institutions, the work of the international community and the study, training, research and development of international law in Vietnam.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with relevant organizations to promote Vietnam’s ever more substantial and effective participation in multilateral institutions, particularly international legal mechanisms. At the same time, we will continue our investments in training a team of competent and qualified civil servants and experts, capable of evolving in an international context. This is an essential condition for the successful implementation of the foreign policy guidelines of the 14th Party Congress, the development of a comprehensive, modern and professional foreign policy, and a significant contribution to national construction and defense in this new Era.

The fact that Vietnam now has its first judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea not only enhances the pride of its foreign policy, but also constitutes an important driving force to further improve the quality of its international integration, strengthen the position, prestige and capacity of the country to contribute to the common affairs of the region and the world.

Journalist: Thank you very much, Mr. Minister!