Maritime connectivity is a fundamental pillar for global peace, security, and development, affirmed Vietnam’s Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Nguyễn Minh Vũ, during his participation in the 8th Indian Ocean Conference (IOC) in Oman.
The Vietnamese diplomat took part in various sessions and delivered a speech at the plenary session of the event, which was held in Muscat on February 16–17, bringing together leaders, senior officials, and scholars from over 40 countries and international organizations worldwide.
In his speech, Vũ emphasized the importance of the Indian Ocean as a major corridor for more than 50% of global container transport and two-thirds of global oil transport.
He stated that the growing interdependence between nations highlights the urgent need for joint efforts to address both traditional and non-traditional challenges. Amidst a mix of opportunities and challenges, he called on countries to develop a shared vision for a future of stability, sustainability, and strong connections between the world’s oceans and seas, including the Indian Ocean, the Pacific, and the East Sea.
To realize this vision, Vũ proposed a five-point initiative:
- Respect for international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and strict adherence to the fundamental principles outlined in the UN Charter and UNCLOS, such as respect for independence, sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the peaceful settlement of disputes.
- Leveraging existing mechanisms to strengthen practical and effective maritime cooperation, contributing to joint efforts in tackling common challenges such as climate change and rising sea levels.
A Vietnam Coast Guard vessel conducting an inspection at sea.
Photo: VNA/CVN
- Enhancing economic connectivity for sustainable growth, with a focus on improving port and transport network connectivity.
- Promoting knowledge-sharing, awareness, and capacity-building in maritime affairs.
- Maximizing the role of regional and sub-regional frameworks, such as ASEAN, the Indian Ocean Rim Association (IORA), and the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation (BIMSTEC), to expand collaboration and ensure transparency.
Reaffirming Vietnam’s commitment to resolving disputes through peaceful means in accordance with international law, the Deputy Foreign Minister also announced Vietnam’s first-ever nomination of a candidate for the position of judge at the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026–2035 term.
On this occasion, Nguyễn Minh Vũ held in-depth discussions to strengthen bilateral ties with Oman. He met with Oman’s Minister of Commerce, Industry, and Investment Promotion, Qais Bin Mohammed Al Yousef; Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sheikh Khalifa Alharthy; Deputy Minister of Transport, Communications, and Information Technology, Khamis Al-Shammakhi; and Deputy Chairman of the Oman Investment Authority, Sheikh Nasser Bin Sulaiman Alharthy.
During these meetings, both parties agreed to enhance cooperation in trade, agriculture, food security, and the halal industry while optimizing the Vietnam–Oman Investment (VOI) fund for potential sectors in Vietnam.
