At a regular press conference this afternoon, Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang addressed concerns about the impact of escalating tensions in the Middle East on Vietnam's trade, economy, and energy sectors, outlining the government's response measures.
Hang stated that Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh signed a decision on 4/3 to establish a task force dedicated to ensuring energy security, in response to the complex developments in the Middle East conflict.
The task force will continuously monitor, assess, and forecast the situation, overseeing implementation, inspection, and synthesis. Its mandate includes promptly addressing and resolving challenges to ensure a stable supply of petroleum for business operations and public consumption.
Furthermore, the task force will conduct research to develop strategies, solutions, mechanisms, and policies aimed at overcoming challenges. This proactive approach will enable flexible, timely, and effective policy responses, preventing any passive or surprising situations regarding energy security.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. Photo: BNG
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson also provided updates on citizen protection, noting that over 12,000 Vietnamese citizens reside, study, and work in the Middle East. The situation for these citizens in the region remains stable, with no reported impacts from the conflict.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in coordination with state management agencies and Vietnamese representative offices in Iran, Israel, and neighboring countries, is closely monitoring developments. They maintain regular contact with Vietnamese communities and collaborate with local authorities to assist citizens, including tourists, transit passengers, and business delegations affected by canceled flights due to regional airspace closures.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stands ready to plan evacuations for Vietnamese citizens from affected areas, advising them to prioritize safety and providing emergency contact information. "Should difficulties arise, citizens should contact the protection hotlines available both in Vietnam and at diplomatic missions across the Middle East," Hang stated.
> Citizen protection hotlines at Vietnamese representative agencies in the Middle East:
On the morning of 28/2, US and Israeli forces launched a series of strikes against Iran, targeting defense and intelligence facilities, along with several high-ranking officials and generals. These attacks resulted in the deaths of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and other senior Iranian officials.
Iran retaliated with strikes targeting Israeli territory and several bases hosting US forces across various Middle Eastern countries. Concurrently, the US and Israel intensified their own offensive operations against key targets within Iran.
Iran's IRNA news agency reported on 4/3 that at least 1,045 of its soldiers and civilians died in the airstrikes. The conflict also claimed the lives of at least 11 people in Israel, six US service members in Kuwait, and numerous individuals in other Middle Eastern nations.
Ngoc Anh
