(VOVWORLD) - A spokesperson for the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs has requested concerned parties to ensure the safety and interests of Vietnamese crew members aboard a the Republic of Korean-flagged tanker seized in the Persian Gulf.
 Foreign Ministry spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VNA) |
Spokesperson Le Thi Thu Hang made the request in response to reporters’ question on Tuesday relating to the seizure of vessel Hankuk Chemi.
Hankuk Chemi, used to carry oil products and chemicals, was said to be seized in the Persian Gulf on its way to the United Arab Emirates port of Fujairah after loading at Jubail, Saudi Arabia, on Jan. 2. Iran claimed responsibility for the seizure.
The vessel was carrying 7,200 tons of ethanol and 20 crew members, including two Vietnamese citizens.
On hearing about the news, the Vietnamese Ministry of Foreign Affairs came into contact with the embassies of the Republic of Korea and Iran in Hanoi to inquire into the incident, Hang said.
The ministry immediately directed Vietnamese representative missions in the RoK and Iran to work closely with relevant agencies of the host countries and the vessel owner to clarify the case and demand safety for the Vietnamese crew members, as well as to quickly deal with the case.
The ministry also contacted the Ministry of Labour, Invalids and Social Affairs and the Ministry of Transport to verify the identity of the crew members and ask the guest worker sending company to ensure the interests of the Vietnamese workers abroad.
According to the spokesperson, Vietnamese representative missions in the RoK and Iran are keeping a close watch on the case and are ready to take necessary citizen protection measures to protect the Vietnamese crew members’ rights and interests.