Vietnam's remarkable diplomatic efforts for borders, seas, islands, peace and development

Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation to Vietnam Pierre Du Ville speaks at the International Conference 'Cooperation for Borders, Seas, Islands, Peace and Development' on October 8 in Hanoi. (Photo: Anh Son)

On the sidelines of the International Workshop “Cooperation for Borders, Seas, Islands, Peace and Development” on October 8 in Hanoi, Head of the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam, Pierre Du Ville, gave an interview highlighting the significance of the Workshop as well as Vietnam’s efforts in promoting the peaceful settlement of disputes on border demarcation and management through diplomatic measures.

What is your assessment of the significance and importance of the International Workshop “Cooperation for borders, seas, islands, peace and development” and Vietnam’s institutional cooperation project aimed at enhancing capacity among partners in the field of border demarcation and management?

In the context of a number of conflicts in the world still being resolved by force rather than dialogue, the organization of this Conference is very important. The current world situation shows that the implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 16 on maintaining justice, preserving peace and strengthening institutions is more urgent and relevant than ever.

Despite its best efforts, Vietnam is still facing a number of challenges, especially in managing its relations with its neighbors and resolving overlapping territorial claims. This conference is therefore meaningful and of practical value by providing an opportunity for experts to exchange best practices, experiences and ways to effectively address the issues that many countries face in the field of border management, both now and in the past. At the Conference, we can compare very specific issues in different regions of the world such as Belgium, Canada, Australia, Korea and the Philippines.

This is a very complex issue and requires very important skills and specialized knowledge that countries certainly need to strengthen and update continuously.

"Both land and sea borders determine the living and development space of countries, and at the same time demonstrate the sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction of countries under international law. Therefore, clearly demarcating borders and effectively managing and cooperating on the basis of international law provisions are key factors to ensure peace, stability and sustainable development as well as building long-term friendly relations between relevant countries." (Permanent Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Nguyen Minh Vu)

Delegates attending the International Conference 'Cooperation for borders, seas, islands, peace and development'. (Photo: Anh Son)

What is your comment on Vietnam's efforts to promote peaceful dispute resolution through diplomatic measures, bilateral dialogue with neighboring countries and active participation in regional forums, especially ASEAN?

Vietnam has always emphasized the importance of bilateral dialogue and peaceful negotiations to resolve disputes, especially in the East Sea. Recently in France, General Secretary and President of Vietnam To Lam and French President Emmanuel Macron reaffirmed the importance of resolving disputes peacefully in accordance with international law, especially the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Vietnam has also been an active and contributing member of ASEAN since joining in 1995. Through the organization, Vietnam has advocated for peaceful dispute resolution and consensus building among Southeast Asian countries. For example, Vietnam has supported efforts to establish a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) between ASEAN and China, to manage tensions and prevent conflicts.

In addition to ASEAN, Vietnam is also fully committed to the peaceful settlement of disputes in other multilateral forums such as the Francophone Community or the United Nations, aiming to internationalize issues when necessary, while balancing the priority of bilateral negotiations. These diplomatic efforts are considered as constructive contributions to regional stability, which is absolutely necessary to promote economic and social development and ensure the well-being of the people.

Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao presented the Friendship Medal of the State of Vietnam to the family of the late Professor Jean Salmon on October 4 in Brussels. (Source: Vietnamese Embassy in Belgium)

Could you review the highlights of cooperation between the National Border Committee (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and the Wallonie-Bruxelles Delegation in Vietnam?

The cooperation between the National Border Commission and Wallonie-Bruxelles has been a long-standing success story for over 20 years. On October 4 in Brussels, Vietnamese Ambassador to Belgium Nguyen Van Thao expressed his gratitude to the late Professor Jean Salmon, an eminent expert on international law, who made significant contributions to the research and teaching of international law, and participated in many cooperation projects with Vietnam, working closely with the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Over the years, we have shared our knowledge and expertise, and provided Vietnam with high-quality legal advice and training for its border officials. We now look forward to continuing this partnership with the National Border Committee in our next cooperation program for the period 2025-2027.

Thank you!

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