Vietnam welcomes the Philippine President’s settlement of fishermen issue in humanitarian spirit in line with the bilateral strategic partnership, Foreign Ministry’s spokesman Le Hai Binh said at a regular press conference in Hanoi on November 3. 




Asked about information regarding the Philippine President’s decision to release 17 Vietnamese fishermen, Binh said after the Vietnamese fishermen were arrested in the Philippines on September 8, the Foreign Ministry directed the Vietnamese embassy in the host country to approach them and promptly work with the host authorities to ensure their legitimate interests. 

During the talks between President Tran Dai Quang and his Philippine counterpart, the Philippine side informed about the release. The Vietnamese embassy later held working sessions with the host authorities to make a list of fishermen, and the form and time for the release. 

The Foreign Ministry also asked localities and the Border Guard High Command to stand ready to welcome fishermen back, he said.-VNA