At the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam on the afternoon of January 9, 2025, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang answered a number of questions about citizen protection work. Ms. Hang said that on December 30, 2024, a ferry capsized in the waters west of Seosan City, Chungcheong Province, South Korea. The ferry capsized, killing many people, including one Vietnamese citizen.
“Immediately after receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea closely coordinated with the local authorities and the labor dispatching company to inform the family and assist with funeral procedures for the victim. The Embassy is continuing to coordinate with local authorities in the process of search and rescue, investigation and clarification of the incident, and is ready to take measures to support, protect, and ensure full legal rights and interests for Vietnamese citizens,” said Ms. Pham Thu Hang.
In another content, Ms. Pham Thu Hang also informed about citizen protection work in the recent earthquake in China.
According to the latest information from the Vietnamese Embassy in China, the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Ding Ri, Shigatse City, Tibet has killed and injured hundreds of people.
“Following the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese Embassy in China is working with local authorities to grasp the situation, check information about Vietnamese citizens if they are affected, and have timely support plans,” said Ms. Hang.
According to the Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, so far there has been no information about Vietnamese citizens being victims of this earthquake. The Vietnamese Embassy in China continues to closely coordinate with local authorities to closely monitor the situation and prepare support and protection plans in case any Vietnamese citizens are affected.
Vietnamese citizens in need of urgent assistance should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' citizen protection hotline or the citizen protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in China.
Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang also answered questions from the press about the possibility of Vietnam joining BRICS.
“As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam has been and will make positive and responsible contributions to multilateral mechanisms and forums and contribute to regional and global peace, stability and development, in accordance with Vietnam's needs and interests.
Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of international relations, and is a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community.
Vietnam's participation in multilateral, regional and international mechanisms is always researched and considered on the basis of suitability with Vietnam's foreign policy, as well as its conditions and capabilities," said Ms. Pham Thu Hang.
