Cambodia Hosts a Training on Law of the Sea for Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese Officials

Phnom Penh, December 04, 2023 --

The National Institute of Diplomacy and International Relations at the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MFAIC) has recently organised a training course on the Law of the Sea for Cambodian, Lao and Vietnamese officials.

The Australian National Centre for Ocean Resources & Security of the University of Wollongong led the training course, held in Siem Reap province from Nov. 20 to 24 in collaboration with the Australian Embassy in Cambodia, for 23 maritime policy and security officials along with coast guard and navy officers from the three neighbouring countries, said a recent press release of MFAIC.

According to the source, the course included key principles of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982 as well as the rights and duties of states in different maritime zones and navigational regimes. It also analysed how the Law of the Sea developed through state practice and negotiation, and evaluated its diverse implementation.

In addition, it continued, participants considered how Law of the Sea provisions have been interpreted and how the law relates to other aspects of international law including areas such as fisheries, the environment and scientific research. They also considered third-party settlement of disputes under Part XV of the convention.

Institute President H.E. Mr. Cheuy Vichet and Australian Embassy Deputy Head of Mission Mr. Andreas Zurbrugg awarded certificates to the participants. They highlighted the good relations between Cambodia and Australia, and the commitment to building capacity for government officials.

Australia's Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade funded the training with support from Cambodia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation.