All Vietnamese crew members seized in Iran well treated: deputy spokesperson

Deputy spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

Hanoi (VNA) -  All of the 26 crew members of a Vietnamese ship that was seized by Iran in the Gulf of Oman are treated well, according to deputy spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang.

Speaking at a regular press conference of the foreign ministry, held virtually on November 4, Hang cited the captain of the MV Southys as saying on October 27 that the crew members are in normal health.

After learning about the incident, the ministry contacted the Iranian Embassy in Hanoi, she said, adding that the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran also held working sessions with Iran’s competent agencies to verify the information, address the issue quickly and ensure safety of and humane treatment towards the Vietnamese citizens.

The foreign ministry has also contacted the Ministry of Transport to seek relatives of the crew members, and ask the employee and the vessel’s owner to ensure the rights and interests of the Vietnamese employees.

Hang affirmed that the foreign ministry and the Vietnamese Embassy in Iran will keep a close watch on the situation and hold regular working sessions with competent agencies of Iran to quickly address the incident in line with legal regulations, while taking necessary measures to safeguard the rights and interests of the Vietnamese nationals./.

VNA