Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Le Thi Thu Hang

At a regular press conference of the Ministry in Hanoi on Thursday, Le Thi Thu Hang answered reporters’ question about Vietnam’s assessment of the US State Department’s recent Report on International Religious Freedom. She said: “The Vietnamese State’s unswerving policy is respecting and protecting the freedom of belief and religion as well as non-belief and non-religion of all citizens. This is written into Vietnam's Constitution and laws, and is strictly enforced.  Vietnam is willing to cooperate and hold dialogue with the US on the issue to narrow differences and promote mutual understanding for the interests the two countries’ people.”            

Reacting to a news report that the US decides to impose high tariffs on several steel products of Vietnam, spokesperson Hang said: “The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade has warned domestic businesses of stricter demands during circumvention inquiries by importers, including the US. It has also recommended companies devise suitable business strategies,  especially switching to using materials made in Vietnam or other sources. The Vietnamese agencies will continue working with the US to protect rights and legitimate interests of companies, ensure the adherence to legal regulations and the World Trade Organization’s agreements, and prevent circumventing acts and origin fraud.”

Commenting Houthi rebels’ recent attacks on Saudi Arabia, spokesperson Hang said Vietnam condemns acts that damage safety and stability in the Middle East and called on involved parties to join efforts to settle disputes through peaceful dialogue on the basis of international law and related resolutions of the UN Security Council.