Vietnam advocates closer cooperation against piracy
Speaking at the Open Debate of the United Nations Security Council on
“the Threat to International Peace and Security by Acts of Maritime
Piracy” in New York on November 19, Ambassador Le Hoai Trung said that
Vietnam has actively contributed to regional efforts against piracy,
including technical cooperation between ASEAN and 8 other countries,
within the framework of the Regional Cooperation Agreement on Combating
Piracy and Armed Robbery against Ships in Asia (ReCAAP) through its
Information Sharing Centre.
“ Vietnam attaches
great importance to maritime security in the East Sea in general
and piracy in particular,” he affirmed.
The
country’s legal system provides for the criminalisation of piracy,
especially with the newly promulgated Law of the Sea, he said, adding
that the coordination of national anti-piracy activities was streamlined
with the issuance of a Prime Minister decision in January 2008, on the
basis of which Vietnam authorities, including the Maritime Police,
are participating in regional mechanisms.
Vietnam
’s Navy has also taken part in joint exercises on fighting piracy
with other international partners in recent years, said Trung.
“ Vietnam looks forward to closer cooperation with other partners
in the common cause to fight piracy,” the diplomat stressed.
The debate, which was held in the context of increasing attacks by
pirates in the world, drew the participation of representatives from 41
countries and regional and international organisations./.Vietnam advocates closer cooperation against piracy./.VNA