Vietnam regrets Germany’s statement related to Trinh Xuan Thanh

Vietnam regrets the statement by the German Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson pertaining to Trinh Xuan Thanh, the spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry said at a press conference in Hanoi.

Vietnam regrets the statement by the German Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson on August 2 pertaining to Trinh Xuan Thanh, spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang told reporters during a regular press conference in Hanoi on August 3.

Spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry Le Thi Thu Hang.

According to the Ministry of Public Security, Trinh Xuan Thanh turned himself in to police in Vietnam on July 31 and relevant authorities of Vietnam are investigating the case, the spokesperson said.

“Vietnam always treasures, and wants to maintain and develop strategic partnership with Germany,” Hang said.

Thanh also appeared on the national broadcaster Vietnam Television on August 3 evening news saying that he saw his faults and needed to face them.

Trinh Xuan Thanh at the police station in Hanoi on July 31. Photo from a clip on VTV.

"During the time fleeing to Germany, I thought a lot about what I had done," Thanh said in a clip broadcasted on VTV on August 3 evening. "I had been very immature doing such things. I was very frightened after my wrongdoings were uncovered and the punishments were announced. But then my family and friends persuaded me to come back and give confession.”

VTV also cited Thanh's letter of confession sent to the Ministry of Public Security in which he admitted his responsibilities with the huge losses at the PetroVietnam Construction Corporation and wanted to seek clemency.

Trinh Xuan Thanh, former Chairman of the PetroVietnam Construction Corporation (PVC) had fled Vietnam after he was found to have violated State regulations on economic management resulting in losses of nearly VND3.3 trillion (USD142 million) for the PVC during his leadership.

On September 16, 2016, the Ministry of Public Security’s Investigation Police Agency launched criminal proceedings against Thanh.

He had also been expelled from the Party.