I. ANNOUNCEMENTS

1. The working visit to Viet Nam of the Hungarian National Assembly’s delegation, led by the First Officer of the National Assembly

From 18 to 22 January 2022, the delegation of the National Assembly of Hungary,led by First Officer of the National Assembly Márta Mátrai, has paid a working visit to Viet Nam. The visit served to realize the outcomes of the virtual meeting between President of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue and Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly László Kövér, at a time when the two countries are about to celebrate the 72^nd anniversary of diplomatic relations (03 February 1950 - 03 February 2022). It also aimed at further strengthening the Viet Nam - Hungary Comprehensive Partnership, and reinforced the cooperation between the two National Assemblies.

 In this spirit, First Officer of the Hungarian National Assembly Márta Mátrai paid a courtesy call on President of the Vietnamese National Assembly Vuong Dinh Hue, held talks with Standing Vice President of the Vietnamese National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, and engaged in a number of other important activities.

2. Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son’s official visit to Cambodia (from 19 to 20 January 2022)

At the invitation of Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Cambodia Prak Sokhonn, Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Cambodia from 19 to 20 January 2022. This is a part of the “Friendship Year” of Viet Nam and Cambodia, commemorating the 55th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries (24 June 1967 - 2022).

During the visit, this morning (20 January), Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son paid a courtesy call on Samdech Techo Hun Sen, Prime Minister of Cambodia, and held talks with Deputy Prime Minister, Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Prak Sokhonn. In these meetings, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son focused on the Viet Nam - Cambodia bilateral ties, and measures to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries and Foreign Ministries, particularly the effective implementation of high-level agreements and outcomes reached during the State visit to Cambodia of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc in December 2021. He also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest, and collaboration between Viet Nam and Cambodia at multilateral forums.

 Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son reaffirmed Viet Nam’s confidence in Cambodia’s successful fulfillment of its capacity as the 2022 ASEAN Chair, and commitment to assisting Cambodia in such endeavors. Viet Nam would also support Cambodia’s efforts to implement ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus on Myanmar.

 This afternoon, Foreign Minister Bui Thanh Son will pay courtesy calls on Samdech Say Chhum, President of the Senate, and Samdech Heng Samrin, President of the National Assembly.

3. Viet Nam - Uzbekistan Political Consultation (21 January 2022)

 The 5^th Deputy Foreign Ministerial-level Political Consultation between Viet Nam and Uzbekistan will be convened via videoconference on 21 January 2022 under the co-chairmanship of Deputy Foreign Minister of Viet Nam To Anh Dung and Deputy Foreign Minister of Uzbekistan Furkat Sidikov. 

 During the meeting, the two sides will together review the cooperation between Viet Nam and Uzbekistan in all areas, and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest, as well as future directions for bilateral cooperation.

4. Homeland Spring 2022

On the occasion of Viet Nam’s traditional Tet holiday, the State Commission on Overseas Vietnamese, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, is working with relevant agencies to organize the “Homeland Spring 2022” for the Vietnamese community abroad. This program comprises traditional practices and other meaningful tributes, such as paying a visit to the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum and honoring the martyrs and heroes of the past wars. It also welcomes the participation of high-level leaders of the Party and State of Viet Nam, and of the Central Committee of the Viet Nam Fatherland Front. Most notably, the “Homeland Spring” art performance program will take place in the evening of 22 January 2022 at the Hanoi Opera House, and will be broadcasted live on VTV1 and VTV4. President Nguyen Xuan Phuc will deliver his Tet message to the overseas Vietnamese community during this program.

Press members who wish to cover this event can register with the State Commission on Overseas Vietnamese.
 
II. Q&A

1. Xinhua:The election for the 7th Legislative Council of Hong Kong has just been successfully held. This is a success in implementing the new election system, marking an important step in developing a democracy that in line with the situation in Hong Kong and imbued with Hong Kong’s characteristics. What is Viet Nam’s comment on this matter?

Viet Nam’s position on Hong Kong has been affirmed on numerous occasions. Accordingly, Viet Nam respects and supports China’s “one country, two systems” policy, and Hong Kong’s law and relevant regulations. Viet Nam always hopes that Hong Kong will enjoy stability and prosperity.

In this spirit, we hope that the outcomes of the election for the 7th Legislative Council of Hong Kong will contribute to maintaining social order and stability, and promoting Hong Kong’s socio-economic development.

2. Central News Agency:Regarding the upcoming Beijing Winter Olympics, currently many countries are either calling for diplomatic boycotts of the games, or not sending high-level officials to attend. What is Viet Nam’s position on this matter? Will Viet Nam be sending officials to Beijing to attend this event?

I have made a statement on this matter in previous press conferences. Once again, Viet Nam hopes that all countries will contribute to the success of the Olympics, as well as other international sports events, with a view to fostering exchanges, and strengthening unity, friendship, and mutual understanding between nations around the world.

3. Central News Agency: Chinese Taipei has stopped receiving foreign laborers since May 2021, and as of this point, only receives laborers from Indonesia and Thailand. Will Viet Nam negotiate with Chinese Taipei on resuming access for Vietnamese laborers?

 The labor market in Chinese Taipei is one of foremost significance for Vietnamese workers. Both sides are maintaining exchanges to allow Vietnamese laborers to soon return to this market. We also hope that Chinese Taipei will facilitate such endeavors, to soon receive Vietnamese workers again.

4. Central News Agency: Since Viet Nam’s resumption of regular commercial flights with Chinese Taipei on 01 January 2022, how many Vietnamese laborers and nationals previously stranded in Chinese Taipei have been repatriated, and how many still wish to return to Viet Nam?

 According to the statistics of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam, from 01 to 19 January 2022, 17 flights were organized, repatriating 1,700 Vietnamese nationals from Chinese Taipei.

At present, the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam is engaging in discussions with partners to open flights to Australia and Europe, so that Vietnamese nationals residing, studying, and working abroad may find it easier to plan their return to Viet Nam.

5.Dan tri: On 05 November, flight VN5311 of Vietnam Airlines was threatened while passing over Tokyo Bay, Japan. Was this an act of terrorism? Has the suspect been identified? How has the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Viet Nam worked with relevant Japanese authorities on the investigation into this matter? Please provide more details on this incident.

 The information you seek has been publicly announced on the website of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam and reported by the press. I wish to provide some additional details as follows.

Upon receiving this information, the Vietnamese Embassy in Japan contacted the Vietnam Airlines representative office in Japan and relevant local authorities to validate the incident and better grasp the situation. The Embassy also circulated a diplomatic note to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan to request for an urgent security check upon the plane’s landing in Fukuoka to ensure the safety of the passengers, and for an immediate investigation into this matter to identify the suspect. With the cooperation and support of local authorities, following the inspection, the flight was resumed, and safely landed in Viet Nam.

The incident is still under investigation. Relevant Vietnamese authorities are also working with their Japanese counterparts in this process to identify the cause and suspect behind this case.

6. Dan tri: Many overseas Vietnamese conveyed their wish to return to Viet Nam to Dan tri after two years of the pandemic, particularly as the Lunar New Year is approaching. However, they are facing difficulties in gaining entry. Spouses having been granted visa exemption are not allowed entry. Can you elaborate on the official requirements for entry at present, and the groups eligible for repatriation on regular flights?

Since the outbreak of the pandemic, at the directive of the Government to “place the people at the core” and “leave no one behind”, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has been actively working with competent authorities at home and abroad, overseas Vietnamese representative missions, and domestic and foreign airlines to organize over 800 flights in the past two years, repatriating around 200,000 citizens facing severe hardships and wishing to return home from more than 60 countries and territories.

In order to foster socio-economic recovery and development, promote international integration in the new normal, facilitate trade between Viet Nam and other countries and territories, and meeting the aspiration for repatriation for the Tet holiday of overseas Vietnamese, while also taking into account the pandemic’s evolution and domestic quarantine capability, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work closely with other Ministries, agencies, localities, and airlines to organize repatriation flights for Vietnamese nationals abroad, in line with their wishes. As you may have been informed, since 01 January 2022, Viet Nam has resumed regular commercial flights with 08 countries and territories. And as I have previously mentioned, the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam is engaging in discussions with partners to open flights to Australia and Europe to facilitate the efforts of Vietnamese nationals permanently residing overseas in planning their return to Viet Nam.

Most recently, on 18 January, taking into account the inputs of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Industry and Trade, the Government agreed to process entry for Vietnamese nationals permanently residing abroad and their family members should they have valid visa exemption documents (even if these documents were issued prior to the pandemic). In such instances, they do not need to undergo another security check, re-apply for visas or visa exemption documents, or seek agreement from Ministries, agencies and localities. I believe that this is an appropriate guideline to best facilitate the repatriation of overseas Vietnamese.

Prior to, and following their entry into Vietnamese, entrants need to comply with the guidance of the Ministry of Health, including requirements on vaccination, testing, medical declaration, and health monitoring.

7. Zing News: Can you elaborate on the work between the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and relevant Chinese authorities to address the congestion of goods at Northern border checkpoints?

Relevant Vietnamese and Chinese authorities and localities have been working closely to address the congestion of agricultural produces at border checkpoints amid the complicated evolution of COVID-19. Following the active implementation of the outcomes of the telephone conversation between Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh and Premier Li Keqiang on 13 January 2022, customs clearance at border checkpoints has been gradually improved, and congestion has been steadily reduced. Both sides also established a Working Group to maintain exchanges and take necessary action to enhance the effectiveness of customs clearance and ensure the flow of goods at border checkpoints, andpromote trade between the two countries, while effectively containing the pandemic in a scientific and safe manner.

8. Zing News: Recently, there is information that the AMM Retreat, which was planned to take place on 19 January, has been postponed due to disagreements regarding the issue of Myanmar. Can you provide Viet Nam’s position on this matter?

Regarding the AMM Retreat, Cambodia, as the 2022 ASEAN Chair, announced that the meeting, which was supposed to be convened from 18 to 19 January 2022 in Siem Reap, would be postponed. This was because of the complicated evolution of the Omicron variant, and the inability of a number of ASEAN Foreign Ministers to attend this meeting. Cambodia is actively working with fellow ASEAN members on the timing of, and means to organize this event in the time to come.

On its part, Viet Nam will work closely with the ASEAN Chair and other ASEAN countries to soon convene the AMM Retreat. This is an annual meeting to set the directions and priorities for ASEAN’s cooperation in 2022, and fulfill other mandates of the Association.
It is necessary to reiterate that as a responsible member of ASEAN, Viet Nam supports all efforts to promote unity and cooperation within ASEAN. Viet Nam will work closely with Cambodia - the 2022 ASEAN Chair, and fellow ASEAN members in the ASEAN Community Building process, including the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, for the interest of the people, and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.

9. Zing News: The ASEAN Tourism Ministers’ Meeting reached a consensus on reopening ASEAN tourism and putting in place a standardized mutual recognition system of COVID-19 vaccine certificates among ASEAN members. Can you provide further information on this matter?

 The resumption of tourism activities and the use of vaccine passports are among the priorities for ASEAN cooperation in the time to come. While Viet Nam temporarily accepts vaccine passports, or vaccine certificates, of a number of countries, Viet Nam is also negotiating with its partners on the mutual recognition of vaccine passports, particularly via digital means. We recently welcomed the first international tourists to Viet Nam through this method.

10. VnExpress: Can you provide an updated list on the mutual recognition of vaccine passports between Viet Nam and other countries?

On 23 December 2021, after the Ministry of Health issued a template for Viet Nam’s vaccine passport, the Consular Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced this document to representative missions of other countries in Viet Nam for official recognition. In addition, Vietnamese representative missions overseas are also working closely with local authorities to urge for the official recognition of Viet Nam’s vaccine passport. To date, Viet Nam’s vaccine passport has been recognized by 10 partners (including Japan, the US, the UK, Australia, India, Belarus, Cambodia, the Philippines, Palestine, and Maldives).

To date, Viet Nam has temporarily recognized the vaccine certificates of 79 countries and territories officially introduced to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This allows foreigners from these countries and territories to enter Viet Nam with a reduced concentrated quarantine time of 03 days, and reduction of quarantine duration for those who have been fully vaccinated against COVID-19, or have recovered from COVID-19.

11. VnExpress: Recently, the Government issued a document on providing more favorable conditions for entrants. Can you comment on whether this directive has entered into force? What are the requirements for entry for foreigners who are married to Vietnamese nationals, and for foreigners with a work contract in Viet Nam?

 On 18 January 2022, the Government approved the proposal of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Public Security on facilitating the entry of foreigners, as well as Vietnamese nationals residing overseas and their family members.

 Accordingly, individuals with valid documents for entry into Viet Nam (such as temporary or permanent residence cards, visas, or visa exemption certificates) can enter Viet Nam in line with the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Viet Nam. Those who wish to enter Viet Nam to conduct market studies, work, seek investment opportunities, attend conferences and seminars, study, or visit relatives without the aforementioned documents need to seek the approval of provincial People’s Committees or relevant central Ministries, and agencies. They would later receive sponsorship for visa application to enter Viet Nam, in line with Article 16 of the Law on Foreigners’ Entry into, Exit from, Transit through, and Residence in Viet Nam. This regulation takes effect on the date of signing.

12. Dan Viet: Recently, overseas Vietnamese frequently stated that repatriation flights are very costly, and require lengthy administrative procedures. The press also reported that the Government was conducting investigations on whether exploitative acts took place during the arrangement of such flights. Can you provide further information on this matter?

I can affirm that the guideline of repatriating overseas Vietnamese who wish to return home, or face severe hardships, is an appropriate and humanistic approach of the Party, State, and Government of Viet Nam.

Over the past two years, at the instruction of the Government, Ministries, agencies, localities, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs are actively working with and supporting domestic and foreign airlines to organize 800 flights, safely repatriating around 200,000 citizens facing severe hardships from over 60 countries and territories. Most notably, such efforts were implemented during a very challenging time in Viet Nam due to the complicated evolution of the pandemic.

Throughout the implementation of these endeavors, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and overseas Vietnamese diplomatic missions have been working closely with domestic authorities to best facilitate the repatriation of Vietnamese nationals who wish to return home. Relevant information, such as requirements, necessary documents, and registration procedures, are published in an open and transparent manner on official websites and social media platforms.

To prevent scams, exploitations, and property fraud, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has instructed Vietnamese representative missions abroad to warn the people against contacting anonymous and unofficial individuals, organizations, and websites, and working with any brokers or third parties. Our position on this matter is clear, in which all negative and exploitative acts that go against the humanistic nature of these flights need to be condemned and strictly punished in line with the law.

13. Bloomberg: Can you provide Viet Nam’s position on the issue of Myanmar? What is Viet Nam’s comment on the approach of ASEAN, and that of other ASEAN Member States such as Cambodia, Indonesia, and Malaysia to this issue?

I reiterate that as a neighboring country in the region and a fellow ASEAN member, Viet Nam always hopes that the situation in Myanmar will soon be stabilized, so that Myanmar can focus on national construction and development, for the interest of the people of this country, and for the building of a united and strong ASEAN Community.

ASEAN operates on the basis of consultation, dialogue, and cooperation in line with the ASEAN Charter. ASEAN has been making every effort to support Myanmar amid the challenges facing this country, particularly in terms of humanitarian assistance. In the spirit of unity and high responsibility, Viet Nam will continue to work with fellow ASEAN members to promote the implementation of the Five-Point Consensus, and hopes that Myanmar will make further contributions to the ASEAN Community building, for peace, security, and stability in the region.

14. Bloomberg: China Daily recently published an article, stating that Viet Nam is actively developing its maritime militia force, and expressing the concern that such efforts may further escalate tensions in the South China Sea/East Sea. Can you provide Viet Nam’s comment on this matter? 

 This is factually incorrect, and Viet Nam completely refutes such information.

 Viet Nam remains steadfast with its defense policy of peace and self-defense. The activities of Vietnamese law enforcement agencies are strictly in line with the Vietnamese and international law, particularly the 1982 UNCLOS.

 In addition, Viet Nam has been making every effort in maintaining a South China Sea/East Sea of peace, stability, security, safety, cooperation, and development, in line with international law, including the UN Charter and the 1982 UNCLSO. We ask that all countries within and outside the region make meaningful and responsible contributions to this goal.

15. Phoenix TV: Does Viet Nam support the visit to Myanmar last week by Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen? Can you provide further information on the outcomes of this visit? Did the disagreements on this visit among ASEAN members cause Cambodia to postpone the AMM Retreat, which was expected to take place via videoconference from 18 to 19 of January?

Regarding the visit to Myanmar by Prime Minister of Cambodia Hun Sen, according to the Joint Communique announced by both countries, this is a bilateral event between Cambodia and Myanmar to strengthen the cooperation between the two countries, and exchange views on regional and international issues of mutual interest. The Communique also touched upon the outcomes of this visit.

I wish to reiterate that on its part, as a member of ASEAN, Viet Nam supports all efforts to promoteASEAN’s unity and cooperation. Viet Nam will work closely with Cambodia - the 2022 ASEAN Chair, and fellow ASEAN members in the ASEAN Community building process, including the implementation of ASEAN’s Five-Point Consensus, for the interest of the people, and for peace, stability, cooperation, and development in the region.

16. Phoenix TV: In his remarks at the 2022 World Economic Forum, General Secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, President of China Xi Jinping announced that China will provide another 150 million vaccine doses to ASEAN countries. What is Viet Nam’s comment on this matter?

 Viet Nam welcomes China’s announcement to provide more vaccines to ASEAN countries, and stands ready to work with China in realizing this statement, thereby making active contributions to ongoing pandemic control efforts in the region.

Amid the complicated evolution of COVID-19 at present, Viet Nam hopes that countries and international organizations will uphold unity and responsibility, step up information exchange and provision of financial, technological, and medical resources, particularly vaccines, to together contain this dangerous pandemic.

On this occasion, once again, we wish to thank countries, partners, and international organizations for supporting Viet Nam’s fight against COVID-19. That we are able to see each other in person today bears vivid testament to the support and cooperation of partners and international organizations.

17. AFP: Can you provide Viet Nam’s response to the verdict by a Belgian court, which sentenced a Vietnamese national to 15 years in prison for leading the human trafficking ring involved in the deaths of 39 Vietnamese nationals in the past?

We have been informed of this matter. Our position is that all violations of the law need to be strictly punished.

On Viet Nam’s part, the Vietnamese Government’s guideline is to promote lawful, safe and orderly migration. Viet Nam also remains steadfast in combating illegal migration and human trafficking. Viet Nam is strengthening its cooperation with other countries and organizations, including the INTERPOL, to prevent, identify, investigate, and punish migrant-smuggling rings in line with the law. Viet Nam stands ready to discuss and cooperate with other countries to timely address related incidents, so as to ensure lawful and safe migration, for the legitimate rights and interests of migrants.