Responding to a question about the current tension in the Middle East, especially following the explosion of walkie-talkies in some areas of Lebanon, and Vietnamese citizen protection in the region at the ministry’s regular press conference, Hằng said Vietnam keeps close tabs on and is deeply concerned about the recent developments in the Middle East.

Vietnam calls on relevant sides to exercise restraint, cease conflicts, enhance dialogue, and resolve differences through peaceful means, in accordance with international law and the United Nations Charter, for the sake of people, and for peace and stability in the region and the world, she emphasised.

Hằng cited the Vietnamese diplomatic missions as saying that Vietnamese citizens in the region still remain safe and stable.

She advised those in dangerous areas to regularly follow updates from local authorities, as well as warnings from the Vietnamese Foreign Ministry and the diplomatic missions there.

For assistance, citizens should contact the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt and Lebanon via the hotline +201 02 613 9869, the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran via + 98 21 224 11670, the Vietnamese Embassy in Israel via +972 50 818 6116, and the ministry’s Consular Department via +84 981 84 84 84.

According to the Vietnamese Embassy in Egypt, which concurrently serves Lebanon, there are 11 Vietnamese nationals working and studying in Lebanon, mostly in Beirut and neighbouring areas.

The embassy is continuing to monitor the situation closely, maintaining constant communication with the Vietnamese citizens to provide assistance should the need arise.

Boat capsizing in Korea

Regarding the capsizing of fishing boat with eight crewmembers -- including three Vietnamese -- in the waters off of Gunsan City of the Republic of Korea on September 17 morning, Hằng said right after learning about the incident, the Vietnamese Embassy in the country asked for medical treatment for the Vietnamese crew members from local competent agencies, while coordinating with others concerned to guarantee their interests in line with regulations.

So far, it has been confirmed that there are no other Vietnamese nationals in the incident aside from the three who are being treated in hospital and their health condition is stable.