The 7th Heads of Asia Coast Guard Agencies Meeting (HACGM-7) opened in Hanoi on Oct. 27 under the theme, “Boosting practical cooperation, sharing information, security and safety at sea”.

Delegates from 17 countries and territories in the region discussed maritime programmes relating to developing capacity of the sector.

They talked about the maritime security situation and measures to prevent serious marine disasters.

The Asian marine police leaders also discussed the results of the Working Level Meeting which took place in Hanoi from Oct. 6-8.

Addressing the opening ceremony, Vietnamese Deputy Defence Minister Lieut. Gen. Nguyen Chi Vinh affirmed that HACGM-7 is an opportunity for Vietnam to contribute to boosting cooperation between Asian agencies executing laws on the sea for common goals and benefits, to ensure security and safety at sea and maintain peace, security and stability in the region and the world.

Vinh said that to cope with new challenges at sea, Asian marine police forces need to boost exchange of information, mutual understanding, trust and practical cooperation.

Marine police forces need to operate on the basis of law and the benefit of each country in respecting the law and benefit of other countries, in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, Vinh said./.