International cooperation promoted on borders, seas, and islands

The international conference on "Cooperation for Peace and Developmental in Boundaries and Seas" was held in Hanoi, under the co-chair of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam and the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation (Belgium), with participation from scholars, researchers, representatives of ministries, sectors, and border and coastal localities, as well as foreign representative agencies in Vietnam.
An overview of the conference. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)
An overview of the conference. (Photo: baoquocte.vn)

The delegates discussed experiences in cooperation and management of land and maritime borders, including experiences from Belgium and Canada s in resolving and managing land border issues and the cooperation experience at the Ban Gioc (Vietnam) - Detian (China) Falls.

Experts also addressed issues such as the legal framework for defining overlapping maritime areas and the rights and obligations in these regions; and measures to ensure sustainable management of marine resources and promote transparency in maritime management.

Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu, who is also Chairman of the National Border Committee, stated that the theme of the conference reflected the objective and urgent need for international cooperation on peace and development in borders, seas, and islands.

The Deputy Minister stressed the role of international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) of 1982, in maintaining a peaceful and stable environment, providing a solid foundation for international cooperation on seas and islands.

Meanwhile, Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam Pierre Du Ville, highlighted Vietnam's efforts and achievements in cooperating with neighbouring countries on territorial borders, emphasising that the organisation of the conference contributes to strengthening cooperation between Vietnam and Belgium.

NDO