Vietnamese vessels in Middle East remain safe: Foreign Ministry

All Vietnamese vessels operating in the Middle East remain safe despite disruptions to maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang said at a press briefing on April 2.

Answering reporters’ questions about Viet Nam's response to the situation in the region, Pham said that since the outbreak of conflict, the ministry has worked closely with the Ministry of Construction and instructed Viet Nam's representative missions in the Middle East to closely monitor local developments.

These missions have been asked to regularly update information, maintain contact with Vietnamese vessels and seafarers operating along regional maritime routes, and stand ready to provide support when necessary, she said.

According to the Spokesperson, when Vietnamese vessels encountered difficulties in the Strait of Hormuz at the early stage of the conflict, the ministry, in coordination with relevant domestic agencies, actively engaged with concerned parties to ensure security, safety and favourable conditions for Vietnamese ships and seafarers transiting the waterway.

The ministry also coordinated with the Ministry of Construction to work with the Embassy of Iran in Ha Noi and the Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, requesting support measures to ensure the safety of Vietnamese vessels and workers and facilitate their departure from the area and safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz as soon as possible. At Viet Nam's request, Iranian authorities are currently implementing procedures related to the movement of Vietnamese ships.

Competent agencies in Viet Nam are working with shipping companies and shipowners to complete necessary procedures and continue engaging with local authorities on relevant technical requirements so that cargo vessels and crew members can resume their journeys at the earliest possible time while ensuring safety and security during transit, she added.

Pham also updated reporters on the situation of Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East. She said following directions from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnamese representative missions in Iran, Israel and neighbouring countries have reviewed and compiled the requests of Vietnamese nationals in their host countries and coordinated with relevant agencies to prepare appropriate support measures.

Vietnamese missions in the Middle East have maintained hotlines and implemented measures to assist citizens returning to Viet Nam or travelling safely to third countries. So far, they have supported 556 Vietnamese citizens stranded in the region.

The missions continue to monitor the situation, maintain close coordination with local authorities and stand ready with contingency plans to protect and evacuate Vietnamese citizens in case of emergencies.

On this occasion, the Spokesperson said Vietnamese citizens in Iran, Israel and neighbouring countries should closely follow updates from local authorities, warnings issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and guidance from Vietnamese representative missions in the region. In emergencies or when facing difficulties, they should contact the hotlines announced on the websites of Viet Nam's overseas missions or the ministry’s citizen protection hotline, she suggested./. VNA