Press release: Ocean dialogue Viet Nam - EU

On August 19th, 2020, the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam together with the European Union (EU) Delegation in Hanoi and Konrad Adenauer Stiftung (KAS) Foundation held an ocean dialogue on the topic “Sustainable Maritime Development: Sharing Viet Nam and EU’s perspectives.” The dialogue was an opportunity to exchange opinions on the reality of sustainable maritime economic development and promote maritime cooperation between Vietnam and the EU. Strengthening international maritime cooperation is a top priority for Vietnam, in line with the content of Resolution 36/NQ-TW of Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam and the Government's Resolution 26/NQ-CP on sustainable maritime economic development. This is also a priority field in the EU Action Documents on Security Cooperation with Asia, including Vietnam.

The event was attended by about 150 delegates including 20 experts, EU and its members’ scholars, 20 representatives from 14 foreign offices in Viet Nam, nearly 100 Vietnamese experts, delegates, and a lot of reporters from more than 30 domestic and foreign news agencies and television stations. The combination of direct and online discussion allowed international experts to attend and speak at the Dialogue.

The dialogue had 4 main sessions: (i) Policy on sustainable maritime development of Viet Nam and EU; (ii) Maritime Environment Management; (iii) Sustainable Blue-Sea Economy; and (iv) New trends in marine issues and the future of Vietnam - EU maritime cooperation.

Delivering his opening speech, Mr. Dinh Toan Thang, Director of Department of Europe, Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomed delegates to the seminar. He also considered this event as a meaningful event in a series of events celebrating 30 years of diplomatic relations between Viet Nam and the EU. Mr. Thang affirmed that the Vietnamese government attaches great importance to international maritime cooperation, especially with experienced partners such as the EU and European countries in implementing their maritime strategies. The EU is Vietnam's most important partner, while Vietnam is one of the Asia - Pacific countries with the most extensive partnership with the EU. Under the framework of the Vietnam - EU Comprehensive Partnership and Cooperation Agreement (PCA), the two sides commit to strengthen cooperation in the protection and preservation of the maritime and coastal environment and to promote effective management of marine resources towards sustainable maritime development.

Mr. Thang affirmed “Maritime cooperation is not only a common trend of the world today but also an obligation prescribed in international law. Through cooperation, we promote joint efforts to ensure security, peace, and stability in our seas against traditional and non-traditional security challenges at sea, and ensure freedom of exploitation of resources in the waters under our sovereignty and our jurisdiction not constrained. ”

Speaking at the opening session, Ambassador Giorgio Aliberti, Head of the European Union Delegation to Vietnam, said that the relations between Vietnam and the EU had never become as deep and close as at present, especially after the ratification of the EU - Vietnam Free Trade Agreement. However, cooperation between the EU and Vietnam in the maritime field was still limited, particularly cooperation in each specific maritime issue. For the European Union, sustainable maritime development, also known as Blue Growth was a long-term strategy, aimed at promoting overall sustainable development at sea in each sector, and a part of Europe Strategy 2020 for sustainable, smart, and inclusive development. The EU is experienced in promoting a sustainable maritime economy by promoting maritime cooperation. This approach is in line with Vietnam's high priorities, as reflected in documents on sustainable maritime economic development. That seminar brings together experts from Europe and Viet Nam to share common experiences in this field, and at the same time promote substantial cooperation between the two sides in related sectors. He expressed his hope that the event would contribute to a clearer understanding of the EU's maritime policies, which are instrumental in promoting the stability and resolution of maritime disputes, as we see today in the Eastern Mediterranean, or East Sea.

Besides the delegates from Hanoi who directly attended the event, speakers from Europe and coastal regions of Vietnam presented and discussed online. COVID-19 pandemic distancing and control measures have been implemented based on recommendations of the authorities./.