Hanoi (VNA) – Vietnam and Russia havesubstantial potential to further develop their cooperation in maritime securityin the time ahead, a Russian expert has said when commenting on Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh’s proposals at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)'s recent high-level open debate on maritime security.

Valeria Vershinina from the ASEAN Centre at the MoscowState Institute of International Relations (MGIMO) said Vietnam’s approach to regional security issues coincides with that of Russia, that is concerted efforts are needed to make progress in this field, with the participation of international organisations and regional architectures like ASEAN and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF), while maintaining the coordinating role of the UN.

She took note that Vietnam-Russia bilateralcooperation in maritime has covered different spheres, from information sharing toresearch, exploration, symposiums on marine organisms, shipbuilding, maritimeinfrastructure, off-shore exploitation, naval collaboration and search andrescue operations at sea.

At the UNSC High-level Open Debate on “EnhancingMaritime Security – A Case for International Cooperation”, held virtually onAugust 9, PM Chinh presented three proposals.

First, it is imperative that states and internationalorganisations develop a comprehensive, extensive and broad awareness of theimportance of oceans and seas, and the threats to maritime security.

Second, maritime security is a global issue andtherefore requires global solutions.

“Vietnam proposes the development of a network ofarrangements and initiatives for regional maritime security with the UnitedNations working as the coordinator, to bolster information and experiencesharing, coordinate actions, and address common challenges in a timely manner,”the leader said.

Third, the policies, regulations and conducts ofstates at sea must be in line with international law, especially the UnitedNations Charter and the 1982 UNCLOS./.