Pham Thu Hang, spokesperson for Vietnam’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, provided an update on the country’s response to ongoing conflicts in the Middle East. Since the conflict began, the Ministry has coordinated closely with the Ministry of Construction and Vietnamese missions in the region to monitor developments actively. These diplomatic missions are tasked with maintaining contact with Vietnamese vessels and seafarers operating in the area, ensuring their safety, and providing support as needed.
During the initial phase of the conflict, Vietnamese ships faced challenges, particularly in the Strait of Hormuz. In response, the Ministry engaged with relevant parties to secure the safety and operational conditions for Vietnamese vessels. Additionally, they collaborated with the Iranian Embassy in Hanoi and Iran’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to seek measures that would facilitate the safe navigation of Vietnamese ships and workers through the Strait of Hormuz. As a result, Iranian authorities are currently processing the movement of Vietnamese vessels in compliance with these requests.
In parallel, Vietnamese authorities are working with shipping companies and shipowners to finalize necessary procedures for resuming operations safely. This includes ongoing communication with local authorities to meet technical requirements, allowing cargo vessels and their crews to continue their journeys without compromising safety.
Hang also provided insights into the welfare of Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East. The Ministry has ensured that Vietnamese representative missions in Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries are reviewing the concerns of Vietnamese nationals residing there. These missions have established hotlines and devised support measures to assist Vietnamese citizens either wanting to return home or seeking safe transit to third countries. To date, they have successfully assisted 556 Vietnamese citizens stranded in the region.
Ongoing coordination with local authorities remains critical, and the missions are prepared with contingency plans for the potential evacuation of citizens in emergencies. Hang emphasized the importance of Vietnamese nationals in Iran, Israel, and surrounding countries staying informed through local authorities, as well as adhering to updates and guidance from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. She encouraged those in distress to utilize the available hotlines provided by Vietnam’s overseas missions or the Ministry’s citizen protection hotline for assistance.
Overall, Vietnam’s proactive measures and continuous monitoring underscore their commitment to ensuring the safety and security of their citizens amid regional turmoil.
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