At a press briefing on the afternoon of October 17, reporters requested the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs to comment on the latest developments on the peninsula.

Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang stated, "Vietnam is closely monitoring the recent situation on the Korean Peninsula. We urge all parties to exercise restraint, avoid actions that increase tensions, and persist in dialogue, taking into account the concerns and interests of all parties, as well as the common interests of the region and the international community, to contribute to maintaining peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, in the region, and globally."

On October 17, North Korea's Central News Agency (KCNA) reported that the country's National Assembly had completed amendments to the constitution, officially designating South Korea as a "hostile nation."

Pyongyang has also declared that the demolition of certain inter-Korean highways aligns with its constitution, reflecting efforts to "completely separate" the two Koreas. Currently, all highways and railways between the North and South are fully blocked.

In response, South Korea strongly condemned Pyongyang's actions. Seoul's Ministry of Unification stated that the South Korean government could file a lawsuit against North Korea.

Advisory for Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East to seek shelter amidst conflicts

Regarding the protection of Vietnamese citizens in the context of the ongoing conflict between Iran and Israel, Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang provided updates. According to the latest information from Vietnamese representatives in the Middle East, all Vietnamese citizens in the area are currently safe.

Vietnamese embassies in the region have continuously updated citizens on the latest developments and issued warnings, advising them to closely monitor the situation, exercise caution while traveling, and proactively seek shelter at metro stations in case of emergencies.

There are currently more than 700 Vietnamese citizens in Israel, 13 in Lebanon, and 8 in Iran.

Under the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Vietnam's diplomatic missions in the Middle East are coordinating closely with local authorities and community leaders to stay updated, regularly check in with the Vietnamese communities, and ensure readiness for any necessary protective or evacuation measures.

Update on two missing citizens in Japan

Regarding two Vietnamese citizens who went missing while fishing in Japan, Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang provided an update.

On the evening of October 12, four Vietnamese citizens were swept away by waves while fishing off the coast of Kamisu City, Ibaraki Prefecture, in eastern Japan.

Japanese authorities have found two of the individuals in stable health and are continuing efforts to locate the remaining missing individuals.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Vietnamese diplomatic missions in Japan to work closely with local authorities to gather information, confirm the identities of those involved, and assist in search and rescue operations.

According to Kamisu City police, search efforts are expected to continue for a week, involving two helicopters, a local coast guard ship, and dozens of rescue personnel.

Tran Thuong