 Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang chairs the regular press briefing on March 19. (Photo: VNA) |
Hang made the remarks in response to reporters’ questions regarding the US Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF)’s recommendation to designate Vietnam as a “country of particular concern” on religious freedom in its latest 2026 annual report.
She said: “These assessments are neither objective nor accurate, and are based on biased information with ill intent toward Vietnam. Vietnam reaffirms its consistent policy of respecting and ensuring human rights, including the right to freedom of belief and religion. We are ready to engage with the United States on issues of mutual concern in a frank, open, and mutually respectful manner, in line with the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership for peace, cooperation, and sustainable development between the two countries.”
At the same briefing, addressing questions about the protection of Vietnamese citizens in the Middle East, the spokesperson said the Foreign Ministry has been closely following the situation and implementing necessary citizen protection measures. To date, Vietnamese nationals whose flights were canceled due to airspace closures have either returned home or taken onward flights out of the region.
For Vietnamese vessels and seafarers currently operating in the Middle East that have yet to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, Vietnamese representative missions abroad are working closely with local authorities and relevant agencies to closely monitor developments and stand ready with support measures to ensure the safety and security of both crew members and vessels.