The Vietnamese community and embassy in Ukraine always unite with the homeland and support the government’s measures to safeguard territorial integrity against China’s illegal placement of rig Haiyang Shiyou – 981 in Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, said Ambassador Nguyen Minh Tri.

In an interview with a Vietnam News Agency reporter on May 25 in Kiev, the diplomat said they warmly welcome the government’s policies and guidelines of safeguarding sovereignty over seas and islands that Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung mentioned at the recent 24th ASEAN Summit in Myanmar and the Philippines.

Asked about the presidential election results in the host country, Tri said Ukrainians and expatriates, including Vietnamese, highly expect that the new President will make important moves, laying a foundation for national reforms after over six months of serious political deadlock.

He made it clear that the embassy considers the protection of citizens and their security as one of its top and pressing jobs.

It has instructed Vietnamese residents how to respond to contingencies, and launched a hotline with 24-hour support. No casualty has been reported so far, he said.-VNA