Seoul: Second Vice Foreign Minister Kang In-sun discussed efforts Tuesday to enhance cooperation with an international tribunal for maritime disputes to more effectively address emerging challenges, such as climate change, the foreign ministry said.

According to Yonhap News Agency, Kang had the meeting with Tomas Heidar, the president of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS), who is visiting Seoul this week to attend an annual conference on the international maritime legal systems and their implementation. The discussions emphasized the importance of ITLOS’ contributions to advancing the rule of law in the international maritime sector and peacefully resolving maritime disputes.

Kang expressed South Korea’s commitment to actively participating in shaping new international norms in the maritime field and pledged continued collaboration with ITLOS to address emerging challenges like climate change. The Hamburg-based ITLOS operates as an independent judicial institution under the U.N. Conve
ntion on the Law of the Sea, tasked with resolving disputes related to the interpretation and implementation of the convention.

Since 2016, South Korea and ITLOS have co-hosted the conference as part of efforts to strengthen cooperation in the international maritime legal frameworks. This year’s session is scheduled for Tuesday and Wednesday, highlighting the ongoing commitment to enhance maritime cooperation and address global maritime challenges.