The event featured the participation of around 80 ambassadors, heads of representative offices, and officials from foreign embassies in Ha Noi, as well as representatives of domestic agencies and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
In his remarks, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son underscored the significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), describing it as the “constitution for the oceans” and a comprehensive legal framework governing all maritime activities. He also highlighted the important role of ITLOS in safeguarding the integrity of the convention.
Viet Nam’s decision to nominate a candidate for ITLOS for the first time is of profound significance, reflecting the country’s consistent policy of upholding international law and its commitment to being an active and responsible member of the international community.
The nomination also affirms Viet Nam’s dedication to promoting multilateralism, gender equality, and the role of women in international institutions.
Addressing ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions in Ha Noi, Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Lan Anh shared her vision and strong commitment to upholding the rule of law at sea, with impartiality and integrity in the application of international maritime law.
In their exchanges, diplomatic representatives commended Viet Nam’s decision to present a candidate for ITLOS and highly valued the qualifications and experience of Dr Nguyen Thi Lan Anh. Many extended their best wishes for Viet Nam’s success in this important candidacy.
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Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Lan Anh. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
The event also marked one year since Viet Nam officially introduced its candidate for ITLOS during the 34th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS held in New York, the US. It also coincided with the 125th anniversary of the Permanent Court of Arbitration, to be commemorated in The Hague, Netherlands, in June 2024.
Associate Professor Dr Nguyen Thi Lan Anh is one of Viet Nam’s leading experts in international law. She brings to the role a profound academic foundation and extensive practical experience as a lecturer, researcher, and speaker in the field of the law of the sea.
She currently serves as an Arbitrator under Annex VII of UNCLOS and as Vice President of the Asian Society of International Law. She has conducted extensive research on maritime dispute settlement, organised numerous regional conferences on maritime security and the application of UNCLOS 1982, and authored or co-authored many scholarly books and articles published in reputable international journals.
In addition to her academic and legal expertise, Dr Lan Anh is also a seasoned diplomat with substantial experience in handling both bilateral and multilateral issues at Viet Nam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.