Ready to protect Vietnamese citizens in the ferry capsize in Korea

(VTC News) – The Ministry of Foreign Affairs answered reporters' questions about the possibility of joining the BRICS group and measures to protect citizens in the ferry disaster in South Korea and the earthquake in China.

At a regular press conference on the afternoon of January 9, regarding the ferry capsizing in South Korea, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang said that Vietnamese representative agencies are working closely with local agencies to support and deploy appropriate citizen protection measures.

A ferry capsized in the western sea of Seosan city, Chungcheong province, South Korea on December 30, killing many people, including Vietnamese citizens.

Ms. Pham Thu Hang said that immediately after receiving the information, the Vietnamese Embassy in Korea closely coordinated with local authorities and the company sending the workers to inform the family and support funeral procedures for this victim.

“The Embassy is continuing to coordinate with local agencies in the process of search and rescue, investigating and clarifying the incident, and is ready to take measures to support, protect, and ensure full legal rights and interests for Vietnamese citizens,” said spokeswoman Pham Thu Hang.

*Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang.*

Regarding the 6.8-magnitude earthquake that occurred in Ding Ri, Xigazê city, Tibet, China, which killed and injured hundreds of people, following the direction of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Vietnamese Embassy in China worked with local authorities to grasp the situation, check information about Vietnamese citizens and prepare support plans if anyone is affected.

“Vietnamese citizens in need of urgent assistance should contact the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' citizen protection hotline or the citizen protection hotline of the Vietnamese Embassy in China,” said Ms. Pham Thu Hang.

Also at the press conference, reporters asked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to update on the possibility of joining the BRICS group of emerging economies .

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Pham Thu Hang reaffirmed: As an active and responsible member of the international community, Vietnam has been and will make active and responsible contributions to multilateral mechanisms and forums and contribute to regional and global peace, stability and development, in accordance with Vietnam's needs and interests.

“Vietnam consistently pursues a foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization and diversification of international relations, and is a friend, reliable partner and responsible member of the international community. Vietnam’s participation in multilateral, regional and international mechanisms is always studied and considered on the basis of conformity with its foreign policy, as well as Vietnam’s conditions and capabilities,” said the Foreign Ministry spokesperson.

Recently, Brazil – one of the BRICS members and chair of the group in 2025 – announced that Indonesia had officially joined BRICS as a full member. The group, which originally consisted of Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa, has grown in membership in recent years to include Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran and the United Arab Emirates.

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