On August 14th 2008, at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to questions of journalist about how Vietnam assess the action of the Russian Federation to restore peace in South Ossetia and the news developments in South Ossetia, the Spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung clearly stated: 

“Vietnam feels regret about the recent armed conflict in South Ossetia that caused heavy losses in property and life to civilians  and Russian peace keeping soldiers.

Vietnam welcomes the cease-fire announcement by President Medvedev of the Russian Federation, and supports the efforts of Russia as well as the international community to seek peaceful measures for settlement of differences and disputes including prevention of such conflict recurrence in the area. We welcome the principles to address the conflict in South Ossetia and Abkhazia reached at the meeting in August 12 between President Medvedev of Russia and President Sarkozy of France.”

Also at the regular press conference of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in response to questions of journalist about Vietnam’s reaction to the visit of Deputy Prime Minister of Malaysia to the Swallow Reef of Spratly archipelagos , the Spokesman of Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Dung clearly stated:  

“Vietnam’s position upon the two archipelagos of Paracels and Spratly are clear. We have adequate historical evidence and legal foundation to assert sovereignty over these two archipelagos.

Vietnam and Malaysia are two neighbouring countries enjoying a sound relationship and are both members of ASEAN. Vietnam and Malaysia have agreed to address the arising issues in our bilateral relations through peaceful negotiation on the basis of equality, respect for the legitimate rights and interests of both sides and in line with international laws and practices, especially the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in 1982 and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC) in 2002.”