ASEAN maritime cooperation saw significant outcomes amidst COVID-19

Delegates in the 10th ASEAN Maritime Forum (AMF), held December 15 commented that maritime cooperation within ASEAN and ASEAN-led mechanisms have reaped significant outcomes despite COVID-19.
December 17, 2020 | 09:39
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An overview of the fourm. (Photo: TG&VN)

Took place in both online and offline form, focusing on ASEAN's cohesive and responsive approach to maritime cooperation, the 10th AMF formed part activities regarding maritime cooperation chaired by Vietnam in its capacity as ASEAN Chair 2020, Vietnam Plus cited.

Speaking at the event, Vu Ho, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s ASEAN Department, said since its inception in 2010, the forum has become an effective framework to promote dialogues, information sharing, and coordination between relevant agencies, significantly contributing to regional maritime cooperation and security.

Delegates highlighted ASEAN's effort to establish a network on fighting illegal fishing, as well as built a joint action plan on combating marine waste and studied the feasibility of the building of common fishery policies in ASEAN.

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Vu Ho, Director of the Foreign Ministry’s ASEAN Department chaired the event. (Photo: TG&VN)

They spoke highly of the East Asia Summit (EAS) Leaders’ Statement on Partnership for Sustainability, which touched upon emerging challenges, including activities and developments that have complicated the situation and increased tensions, thus harming rules-based maritime order, along with non-traditional challenges such as illegal fishing, maritime pollution, and plastic waste., according to Nhan Dan.

Regarding the forum's content, delegates affirmed that maritime cooperation and security are a high priority in action plans for 2021-2025 reached by ASEAN and its seven partners in the year. They acknowledged the results and recommendations raised at the seminar marking the 10th anniversary of the forum held by Vietnam on December 12, including the proposal to build ASEAN’s comprehensive, cohesive, responsive, and inclusive approach to maritime cooperation.

Speaking of rule-based order, delegates shared the view on the necessity to enhance information exchange and coordination between agencies, and ease overlapping, as well as the significance of observing international law, particularly the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), as stated by ASEAN Vietnam Information Portal.

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