Deputy PM, FM Pham Binh Minh on May 16 talked on the phone with Indonesian Foreign Minister Marty Natalegawa, Singaporean FM K. Shanmugam and Russian FM Sergei Lavrov.
During the talks, Deputy PM, FM Minh discussed measures to strengthen bilateral relations with the three countries, respectively.
He also informed the FMs about the latest developments related to China’s rig Haiyang Shiyou 981, particularly China’s deployment of a large number of ships, including warships and missile-mounted escort ships, to Viet Nam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone.
The Deputy PM, FM emphasized that Viet Nam strongly demands China to withdraw its drilling rig and ships out of Viet Nam’s waters.
He took the occasion to inform the partners of Viet Nam’s diplomatic efforts to ease the tension.
The FMs of Indonesia, Singapore and Russia said Viet Nam and China should restrain themselves and deal with disputes by peaceful means.
Mentioning the recent demonstrations in some localities in Viet Nam with Singaporean FM K. Shanmugam, Deputy PM, FM Minh affirmed that the situation has eased. He explained that the rallies and demonstrations in many industrial parks, including the Viet Nam-Singapore Industrial Park No.1 and 2 in the southern province of Binh Duong, were spontaneous actions of local workers to express their patriotic feelings and protest against China’s illegal act. However, a number of extremists had taken advantage of the occasion to incite the people to achieve their own purpose, he said.
The Deputy PM, FM reiterated that Viet Nam has taken necessary measures to stabilize the situation and punish those who caused public disorder and damaged other people’s properties.
Viet Nam attaches special importance to ensuring security, safety and property for foreign investors, including those from Singapore, he affirmed, expressing his hope that Singaporean investors will continue their business operations in Binh Duong.
The Singaporean FM appreciated the timely measures taken by the Vietnamese Government, particularly the PM’s instruction on ensuring security and order to assure Singaporean investors./.
(Source: MOFA Viet Nam)
