Canadian expert appreciates Vietnam’s stance on 1982 UNCLOS
Vietnam was among the first to sign the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982, calling on other countries in the ASEAN region to respect and abide by this document, said Bryon Wilfert, a former MP and a member of the Research Advisory Board at the Canadian-based think tank Macdonald Laurier Institute.
At a conference on 40 years implementing the 1982 UNCLOS (Photo: VNA)
Ottawa (VNA) – Vietnam was among the first tosign the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982,calling on other countries in the ASEAN region to respect and abide by this document,said Bryon Wilfert, a former MP and a member of the Research Advisory Board at the Canadian-basedthink tank Macdonald Laurier Institute.
Talking to the Vietnam NewsAgency correspondent in Ottawa with regard to the convention’s 40th anniversary,Wilfert said UNCLOS plays an important role in clearly establishing rules for theenvironment and the management of marine resources.
For countries like Vietnam, this document provides clearboundaries between seabed users and coastal states with universal provisions,he noted.
He highlighted the role of the Group of Friends on 1982 UNCLOS, established in June 2021 under an initiative by Canada, Vietnam, and 10 other countries, in promoting the Sustainable Development Goal No. 14 on conserving and sustainably using the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development, and emphasised that this is an area where both Canada and Vietnam have commoninterests to promote.
Regarding the settlement of sea-related disputes in theworld, particularly in the Asia-Pacific region, including the East Sea, the expertsaid that Canada has clearly expressed its view that all parties must abide bythe rules of 1982 UNCLOS, which Ottawa sees as a useful and important milestonein peacefully resolving disputes in the region.
Sharing her view about the convention on its 40th anniversary, Bec Strating, Director of La Trobe Asia and Associate Professor inPolitics and International Relations at La Trobe University (Australia), stressed UNCLOS is anoutstanding achievement of international cooperation.
Although the provisions of UNCLOS still have somelimitations, the convention has indeed created a framework for a just and equalglobal maritime order that many countries continue to support, uphold and safeguard,she stated.
Concerning the establishment of the Group of Friends on 1982UNCLOS, the expert said the introduction of such diplomatic initiatives isimportant in rallying the support of like-minded states to ensure the maritimeorder based on UNCLOS and international law of the sea.
The achievement of the Declaration of the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea(DOC) is a success for Southeast Asian countries as it is the first time Chinahas signed a multilateral agreement on the East Sea issue, she said.
The DOC has set the stage for multinational negotiations,including a Code of Conduct in the waters (COC), added Strating./.
Vietnam, in coordination with Greece, Egypt and Senegal, on December 8 hosted a workshop on achievements and challenges since the adoption of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 40 years ago.
Ambassador Dang Hoang Giang, Permanent Representative of Vietnam to the United Nations, has highlighted the significance of the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) to an environment of peace and stability as well as long-term development of Vietnam.
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (1982 UNCLOS), signed on December 10, 1982, is an inclusive and most important global legal framework to regulate rights and obligations of all coastal nations, a senior expert has affirmed.
Countries should cooperate with one another and make active and practical contributions to the maintenance of peace, stability, and legal order at sea, Vice Spokeswoman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said on December 10.
The practical implementation of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) has shown that it is an effective mechanism for the peaceful settlement of disputes at sea, said Vietnamese Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thao, a member of the International Law Commission (ILC) for the 2023-2027 tenure.
Malaysia, as ASEAN 2025 Chair, marked the bloc’s 58th founding anniversary on August 8 with a vibrant celebration in Cyberjaya, blending an official ceremony with a colorful cultural festival.
Vietnam plays an important role in Southeast Asia’s economic growth and is a key partner of her country in realising the shared vision of a peaceful, stable, and prosperous region, said Robyn Mudie, First Assistant Secretary of Office of Southeast Asia (OSA) – Southeast Asia Regional and Mainland Division at Australia’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT).
The 2025 ASEAN Business Community Development (ABCD) Forum, themed “Empowering ASEAN's Next Leap: Digital, Sustainable & Entrepreneurial Transformation” brought together ministers, CEOs, and top industry experts to discuss key regional economic priorities.
The DES Ministry will seek cooperation from social media platforms to prevent the spread of fake news and monitor accounts related to such activities, he told reporters after chairing a meeting of the newly established Anti-Fake News Centre (AFNC).
The Joint Standing Committee on Commerce, Industry and Banking identified the US tariff reduction as a significant driver behind the improved economic outlook for Thailand.
Financial institutions and financial technology (fintech) players are intensifying their focus on expanding across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), adopting tailored strategies to strengthen their presence in the region’s digital financial services landscape.
Featuring a permanent exhibition area, the ASEAN Hall will function both as a cultural showcase and as a dynamic venue for ASEAN-related events and programmes. Its inauguration on ASEAN Day added symbolic weight, marking a fresh milestone in ASEAN–RoK relations.
Thailand’s Ministry of Commerce and rice exporters are devising strategic plans to boost rice exports amid global market fluctuations, focusing on key markets and adjusting output.
The focus of the upcoming ASEAN Summit in October will be on strengthening economic relations through intra-regional trade and investment, as well as regional initiatives on energy networks and connectivity.
Indonesian Ambassador Rina P. Soemarno, who currently serves as Chair of the ASEAN Committee in Prague, emphasised the spirit of regional solidarity and cooperation, and the importance of enhancing ASEAN–Czech Republic relations.
The Indonesian Government is determined to seize opportunities to enhance the competitiveness of national agricultural products, an official has said, adding that it always strives to promote exports at the highest possible level, based on a mutually beneficial foundation.
Finance Minister Pichai Chunhavajira has outlined a six-point strategy to promote innovation, support small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and push for Thailand's removal from the US Trade Representative (USTR)’s special 301 Watch List regarding intellectual property rights protection among trading partners.
Vietnamese Ambassador to Israel Ly Duc Trung emphasised ASEAN’s central role in regional mechanisms such as the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) and the East Asia Summit (EAS), highlighting its significant contribution to promoting peace, stability, and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
The consumer index of the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce (UTCC), fell to 51.7 in July from 52.7 in the previous month. The sluggish economy and the trade war, as well as high living costs, continue to undermine confidence, the university said.
Deputy Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Istvan Jakab expressed his hope for further deepening Hungary’s ties with ASEAN countries and called for their support for Hungary’s accession to the Treaty of Amity and Cooperation in Southeast Asia.
The 30-storey tower crumbled seconds after a 7.7-magnitude earthquake hit neighbouring Myanmar on March 28. The partially built high-rise, meant to house the State Audit Office (SAO), was the only building in Thailand to collapse, killing 89 people on the site, mostly construction workers.
Indonesia’s waste generation is projected to exceed 50 million tonnes in 2025. Of the total, more than 20 million tonnes could potentially enter the ocean through rivers, coastal areas, small islands, ports, and marine activities, and thereby, pose a risk to coastal ecosystems and marine biota.
Indonesia is accelerating plans to increase lithium imports, particularly from Australia, in a bid to fill gaps in the electric vehicle (EV) battery supply chain and realise its ambition of becoming a global EV manufacturing hub.
Malaysia’s gross expenditure on R&D (GERD) reached 1.01% of gross domestic product in 2022, a notable increase, with more than 51% contributed by the industry sector. The country is targeting GERD to reach 2.5% by 2030, in line with the national goal of transforming into a high-technology nation.
At a conference on 40 years implementing the 1982 UNCLOS (Photo: VNA) 
