I. ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh attending the International Conference on the Future of Asia

At the invitation of the President and CEO of Nikkei, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh will attend and deliver important remarks at the 26th International Conference on the Future of Asia. This Conference, organized by Nikkei, will take place from 20 to 21 May via videoconference.

This Conference is among the leading policy dialogue forums in Asia. It is hosted annually, with the participation of high-level Leaders, politicians and scholars from numerous Asian countries, and representatives of major corporations around the world. 

With the theme “Shaping the post-COVID era: Asia’s role in the global recovery”, this year’s Conference will focus on contents such as cooperation in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, efforts to restore connectivity among the economies in the region and Asia’s role in the post-pandemic global economic recovery.

2. The UNSC’s open debate on “Addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa” (19 May)

On 19 May 2021, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son will attend and deliver his remarks at the UNSC’s open debate on “Peace and Security in Africa: Addressing the root causes of conflict while promoting post-pandemic recovery in Africa” chaired by Chinese Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi in his capacity as the President of the UNSC in May 2021.

In this open debate, the UNSC will discuss and assess the impacts of the pandemic on Africa, the security issues that this continent is faced with, and measures to promote international cooperation efforts to support Africa in addressing the root causes of conflict, combating COVID-19, and promoting post-pandemic recovery.

II. Q&A

1. Zing: Can you comment on whether the US Secretary of Defense will visit Viet Nam on the occasion of the Shangri-la Dialogue following the recent discussion with Ambassador Ha Kim Ngoc?

As you may already know, the Viet Nam - US Comprehensive Partnership has continued to flourish across multiple fields, including cooperation in defense - security. On the basis of agreements reached between both sides, including the MOU on defense cooperation in 2011, the 2015 Joint Vision Statement on Defense Relations, and the 2018-2020 Defense Cooperation Plan, both sides have continued promoting bilateral defense cooperation via several channels and increasing delegation exchanges, thus making a contribution to maintaining peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world at large.

2. Zing: Can you provide information on Viet Nam’s endeavours toward the Biden administration’s vaccine sharing program?

Immediately after the outbreak of COVID-19 and research underway to manufacture vaccines, Viet Nam has made every effort to seek access to and negotiate with COVID-19 vaccine suppliers around the world to soon import vaccines for domestic use. To date, Viet Nam has gained access to a number of vaccine sources, who have affirmed their commitment to supplying Viet Nam with vaccines. These sources include the COVAX Facility and AstraZeneca. As you may already know, at present, Viet Nam is also carrying out its vaccination program for prioritized groups.

Apart from imported vaccines, Viet Nam is also expediting the research and development of vaccines domestically. Vaccines manufactured in Viet Nam, tentatively, will be put to use in 2022. This would ensure proactive access to vaccine supplies and medical security, and responsiveness to future pandemics.

To curb the spread of this dangerous pandemic, Viet Nam wishes that all countries would exchange information and support patent waiver for COVID-19 vaccines, so that these vaccines can soon be used widely.

3. Zing: What is your comment on the conflicts in the Gaza Strip over the past few days between Israel and Hamas forces?

Viet Nam has paid close attention to and is deeply concerned with the escalating violence in Israel and a number of Palestinian territories over the past few days, causing severe casualties and sufferings to innocent civilians. We call on related parties to exercise restraint, cease the escalating violence, and settle disputes via peaceful measures, thus ensuring the safety and legitimate interests of civilians.

Regarding the East Jerusalem issue, Viet Nam’s consistent position is that all solutions should adhere to international law, particularly relevant UNSC resolutions.

4. Zing: What is your comment on China’s deployment of additional vessels to the Whitsun Reef, belonging to Viet Nam’s Spratly Islands, increasing the number of ships in this area to around 300?

Vietnamese competent authorities always closely monitor the developments in the South China Sea, as well as safeguard and enforce Viet Nam’s sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over Vietnamese waters as provided by international law, including the 1982 UNCLOS.

Viet Nam reaffirms that it has sufficient historical evidence and legal ground to assert its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands in line with international law. As a littoral country and a party to the 1982 UNCLOS, Viet Nam enjoys sovereignty, sovereign rights and jurisdiction over its waters as provided by the 1982 UNCLOS.

5. Zing: Ms. Tran To Nga’s lawsuit to demand justice for victims of ‘Agent Orange’ was recently rejected by a French court. What is your comment on this matter? What measures can Viet Nam take to assist her?

Viet Nam finds the French court’s ruling on Ms. Tran To Nga’s lawsuit for victims of ‘Agent Orange’ regrettable. Viet Nam has suffered greatly from wars, including the long-term and grave impacts of ‘Agent Orange’/dioxin. We support the victims of ‘Agent Orange’/dioxin to demand legal responsibilities from US chemical companies and manufacturers, who produced and commercialized ‘Agent Orange’/dioxin during the Viet Nam War. Viet Nam believes that these companies must take responsibility to address the consequences of ‘Agent Orange’/dioxin in Viet Nam. 

The Vietnamese Embassy in France has kept in contact with Ms. Nga to discuss with and encourage her, and the Embassy stands ready to extend suitable assistance.

6. VnExpress: The evolution of COVID-19 in certain countries, including India, remains complicated. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was tasked with spearheading reviews and assessments to report to the Prime Minister on allowing foreign experts to enter Viet Nam. Can you comment on whether Viet Nam has made any adjustments to its entry policy?

Given the complicated evolution of the pandemic around the world, to ensure the goal of combating the pandemic, the Vietnamese Government has implemented a number of measures, including the temporary suspension of entry for foreigners, only allowing those who are investors, technical experts, skilled labors and business managers to enter Viet Nam to work. These individuals must comply with quarantine measures and medical requirements.

At present, Viet Nam has decided to temporarily suspend or restrict entry for foreigners and overseas Vietnamese to focus on conducting domestic pandemic prevention measures.

In addition, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is closely monitoring and providing updates on the pandemic’s development in other countries around the world. The Ministry is also working with related competent authorities to either loosen or tighten entry policies on a case-by-case basis. This would serve to fulfill Viet Nam’s dual objectives and ensure pandemic prevention efforts.

7. Truyền hình Nhân dân: What is Viet Nam’s take on the US’ International Religious Freedom Report for 2020?

Viet Nam has taken note of the 2020 International Religious Freedom Report by the US Department of State. The Report brought up Viet Nam’s efforts in ensuring and promoting religions and beliefs in the lives of the people. However, it still made a number of unobjective assessments on the basis of inaccurate information on the situation in Viet Nam.

The State of Viet Nam always upholds respect for and implements a consistent policy towards the people’s freedom of religion and belief, and their right to follow or not to follow any religion. It has strived to ensure equality and non-discrimination against any religion or belief, and protect the activities of religious organizations via the law and the religions of the people. These endeavours have earned the widespread recognition of the international community. 

Viet Nam stands ready to discuss in a candid, open and constructive manner with the US on remaining differences so as to enhance mutual understanding and make a contribution to the strengthening of the Viet Nam - US Comprehensive Partnership.

8. Phoenix: Can you provide further information on the two Chinese experts in Viet Nam who were confirmed positive to COVID-19?

We have had discussions with the Ministry of Health on the aforementioned cases.

The first case is patient number 3448, male, 41 years old. He was previously in concentrated quarantine, and was confirmed COVID-19 positive on 09 May 2021. He is currently in quarantine and receiving treatment at the Dong Anh branch of the Hospital for Tropical Diseases. He is in stable health condition.

The second case is patient number 2773, male, 25 years old, Chinese nationality. He has recovered from COVID-19 and is being monitored at his place of residence.

I would like to add that recently, there are certain cases of foreigners having been infected with COVID-19 prior to entering Viet Nam. In the spirit of humanism, Vietnamese competent authorities have paid close attention and provided assistance to foreigners in Viet Nam, monitoring their health, offering them treatment and ensuring their safety.

9. Phoenix: The Department of Immigration of the Ministry of Public Security has agreed to allow 164 Chinese businessmen to enter Viet Nam to purchase lychee. Viet Nam is currently faced with a new wave of COVID-19, so what are the pandemic prevention requirements for these businessmen?

Foreign businessmen and experts entering Viet Nam must adhere to Viet Nam’s regulations pertaining to immigration and pandemic prevention.

Relevant competent authorities and localities will manage these cases within their capacity, taking into account the pandemic’s development within and outside Viet Nam. 

10. Dân trí: Can you provide an update on the engineer named Nhan, a Vietnamese citizen currently infected with COVID-19 in India, who was mentioned in the story of Ambassador Pham Sanh Chau, and the overall situation of COVID-infected patients in this country?

Pertaining to the situation of Vietnamese citizens currently residing and studying in India, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Vietnamese representative missions in India have worked with competent authorities at home and in this country to assist Vietnamese citizens.

According to our information, the severe case among the eight engineers and their relatives in Delhi, India has recovered, and his health is gradually improving. The Vietnamese Embassy in India is actively working with competent authorities and doctors in Viet Nam to closely monitor the evolution of the pandemic and keep contact with Vietnamese citizens so as to support them if necessary.

11. Reuters: Can you provide further information on external sources of vaccines, apart from AstraZeneca and the COVAX Facility? Which Vietnamese company is working with the WHO to manufacture the mRNA vaccine?

As I previously mentioned, apart from sources and manufacturers that have affirmed their commitment to supply Viet Nam with vaccines, Viet Nam is also actively negotiating with a wide range of partners to diversify its vaccine supplies.