Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

Hang made the statement when answering questions from Vietnamese and foreign reporters about Vietnam's reaction to recent tense developments in Ukraine and the protection of its citizens.

She called on relevant parties to exercise restraint, abide by the United Nations Charter and basic principles of international law, not to use force, protect people, and continue dialogue to seek peaceful solutions, thus contributing to ensuring peace, security, stability and cooperation in the region and the world.

Vietnam requests that the safety of lives, property as well as legal rights and interests of Vietnamese citizens and businesses in Ukraine be ensured, she stressed.

The spokesperson informed that Vietnamese representative offices in Ukraine and domestic authorities are closely coordinating and ready to carry out citizen protection plans.

Vietnamese in Ukraine advised to stay vigilant, well protect themselves

The Vietnamese community in Ukraine are advised to keep a close watch on the development of the situation and try to ensure safety of their lives and assets amidst current political tensions.

Sharing difficulties facing the community, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Vietnamese people to keep calm and strictly follow notifications and guidance of local authorities.

Security, order, and traffic in some cities may be unstable, so people should consider staying in place, preparing essentials, and finding a safe shelter; and carefully check luggage, vehicles, petroleum and personal papers if they really have to move, the ministry noted.

It also recommended Vietnamese expats to keep in touch with Vietnamese associations and friends and help one another.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine will make efforts to protect citizens and support the community to overcome difficulties.

To receive assistance in case of need, Vietnamese people in Ukraine can contact the following phone numbers and emails:

Embassy of Vietnam in Ukraine: 380 63 863 8999; Email: vnemb.ua@mofa.gov.vn

Citizen Protection Call Centre of the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 84 981 84 84 84; email: baohocongdan@gmail.com

Call Centre of the State Committee for Overseas Vietnamese, Affairs under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs: 84 24 38240 401, ext 0 or 100 (outside office hours) or 141, 269 (during office hours); email: vu1.ubnv@gmail.com.

Vietnamese community in Ukraine keeps close watch on situation with calm: Ambassador

The Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine has kept track of the Vietnamese community and a close watch on the developments of the situation in the host country, stated Ambassador Nguyen Hong Thach, advising the community to keep calm.

The situation in the capital city of Kiev and major cities in Ukraine remains normal with no disturbances, the diplomat said on February 24.

He underlined that the embassy is closely monitoring all developments and is keeping close contact with relevant Ukrainian agencies.

It also maintains regular contacts with the Vietnamese community and grasp their situation, he said, adding that currently, everyone is following the situation calmly.

Ambassador Thach affirmed that the embassy will accompany and support the Vietnamese community in necessary circumstances to ensure the safety of all Vietnamese citizens in Ukraine.

Anyone that needs help or wants to provide information about Vietnamese people in difficulty can contact the citizen protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine at 380 (63) 863 8999 or the hotline of the Consular Department under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at 84-981-848-484, he said.

The same day, amid the current complicated developments in Ukraine, the Consular Department warned Vietnamese citizens not to travel to conflict areas, except for really necessary cases, while keeping a close eye on the situation and strictly following warnings and instructions given by local authorities and the Vietnamese Embassy in Ukraine to ensure the safety of life and property.

Source: VNA