Hanoi (VNA) – An international workshop discussing the values andpractical application of laws on territory and border was jointly held by theMinistry of Foreign Affairs and the Wallonia-Brussels General Delegation of Belgium in Vietnam in Hanoi on September 7,gathering 150 domestic and foreign scholars.

In his opening remarks, Deputy Foreign Minister Nguyen Minh Vu highlightedthe significance and importance of issues related to territorial sovereigntyand national borders in international relations; and the relationship between them and their impact on security, peace,stability, and cooperation for development.

Briefing participants on the outcome of the settlement of border and territorial issues in Vietnam, Vuaffirmed its consistentstance on the role and importance of international law as a crucial foundation forresolving territorial border issues, stressing that the country not only rigorouslyadheres to international law but also builds and strengthens its national legalsystem to ensure compatibility with international law.

He spoke highly of the cooperation between Belgium's Wallonie-Bruxelles region and the Ministry ofForeign Affairs in general, and the ministry’s National Boundary Commission in particular.

Pierre Du Ville, Head of the Wallonia- Brussels General Delegation in Vietnam, expressed his delight at the cooperation resultsbetween the Wallonia-Brussels Region and Vietnam in general, and the National Boundary Commission in particular, especiallyin terms of human resources training, saying that these have contributed significantly to the proper settlement ofterritorial and border issues, thus promoting peace and stability in the regionand the world.

With the two sessions, the workshop reviewed Vietnam's processof building, managing, and protecting the national boundary and territory. Domestic experts and scholars, and representatives from ministriesand sectors provided their insights, emphasising the significance and outcomes ofthe implementation of the Law on National Border over the last two decades and the Law of theSea of Vietnam after 10 years it came into effect, and affirming that Vietnam'slaws regarding territory and border are in line with international law.

It also featuredpresentations by international scholars and experts from Belgium, the Republicof Korea, Japan, Australia, and the Republic of Cyprus, which focused on topical topics,including territorial disputes at the International Court of Justice; the valueof straight baselines around offshore archipelagos; and the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishingin the East Sea.

Delegates also engaged in discussions on issues related to theconstruction, protection, and management of borders and territories. Theyagreed on the importance of international law for this process and proposedmeasures to harmonise national laws with international law in border andterritorial matters./.