Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc received in Hanoi on June 11 Jitendra Sharma, honourable President and former President of the International Association of Democratic Lawyers (IADL).

The Deputy PM thanked the association and Jitendra Sharman in particular for raising their voice in support of Vietnam when China illegally installed its rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in the exclusive economic zone and continental shelf of Vietnam.

Their opinion has contributed to making international friends better understand Vietnam’s peace-loving spirit and firm legal basis in the struggle to safeguard the country and protect justice, he said.

Phuc asked the IADL to continue backing Vietnam’s following steps to defend national sovereignty as well as the struggle for justice and peace in the region and the world.

He affirmed that Vietnam always assists the Vietnam Lawyers’ Association in fulfilling its duty as a member of the IADL.

Jitendra Sharma said the IADL has issued a statement expressing its concern over escalating tensions in the East Sea and demanding China to respect international law, stop and restrain from acts further complicating the situation, escalating tension in the region and threatening security and safety of navigation in the East Sea.

He said the IADL supports Vietnam’s measures to settle the East Sea issue, which are completely right and in line with international law.-VNA