Deputy spokesperson of the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pham Thu Hang (Photo: VNA)

At a regular press briefing in Hanoi on Thursday, Hang said: “We deeply regret the RoK government appeal against the court's ruling. This does not reflect the objective facts of the matter. Vietnam advocates putting aside the past and looking to the future, but that does not mean denying historical truth.”

“In the spirit of a comprehensive strategic partnership, Vietnam suggests the RoK side properly perceive and respect historical facts, encourage practical and effective actions to overcome the war consequences, and contribute to strengthening the friendship and good cooperative between the Governments and peoples of the two countries.”

The RoK's defense ministry's decision to appeal is the first official response from Korean officials after the Seoul Central District Court ordered the government to pay 30 million won (about 24,000 USD) in compensation last month to Ms. Nguyen Thi Thanh, who lost her family in the massacre at Phong Nhat-Phong Nhi village, Dien An commune, Quang Nam province, in 1968.

The verdict of the first instance session marked the first time a Korean court acknowledged the state's responsibility to compensate victims of the 1968 massacre in Vietnam.

Regarding information that the Russian Foreign Ministry is drafting an agreement on simplifying visa procedures with 6 countries, including Vietnam, Ms. Hang said that Vietnam welcomes Russia's consideration of simplifying visa procedures for Vietnamese citizens and supporting measures to facilitate trade and travel for Vietnamese citizens and other countries, enhancing people-to-people exchanges, and promoting Vietnam's friendship with other countries.