Vietnam prepared to avoid energy security disruptions
(VOVWORLD) - At the regular press briefing held in Hanoi on Thursday, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Vietnam Pham Thu Hang addressed concerns about safeguarding Vietnam’s trade, economic activities and energy security amid rising tensions in the Middle East.
 The Nghi Son oil refinery, which uses crude oil from the Middle East as its feedstock, continues to operate stably, without interruption. (Photo: VNA) |
She said Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Wednesday signed a decision establishing a special task force to ensure national energy security in response to the increasingly complex developments of the Middle East conflict.
The task force will monitor, assess and forecast the situation while coordinating the implementation of measures to ensure adequate fuel supply for production, business activities and public consumption. It will also review and resolve emerging difficulties related to fuel supply.
 Ministry of Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang. (Photo: Ministry of Foreign Affairs) |
Hang said: "The task force will study and propose solutions, mechanisms and policies to address challenges and provide flexible, timely and effective policy responses to prevent unexpected disruptions to energy security. As a member of the task force, the Foreign Ministry will work closely with relevant ministries and agencies to implement these measures to ensure energy security in the conflict."
The spokesperson said more than 12,000 Vietnamese citizens are currently living, studying and working in the Middle East. So far, their situation remains stable and no reports have indicated that Vietnamese nationals have been affected by the conflict.
The Foreign Ministry said it stands ready to prepare evacuation plans for Vietnamese citizens from affected areas if necessary and has advised nationals in the region to stay in contact with citizen protection hotlines both in Vietnam and at Vietnamese diplomatic missions in the Middle East.