Spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng addresses reporters' questions on Thursday during the regular press briefing in Hà Nội. — VNA/VNS Photo An Đăng

HÀ NỘI — Việt Nam closely follows the developments surrounding the Ukraine-Russia conflict, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Lê Thị Thu Hằng said on Thursday.

The diplomat made the remarks as she was asked for Việt Nam’s reaction to Russia’s move to annex four Ukrainian oblasts – Luhansk, Donetsk, Zaporizhzhia, and Kherson, which together make up 15 per cent of Ukraine’s territory – in the latest development of the escalating conflict.

“Việt Nam calls on relevant parties to resume dialogue and resolve issues by peaceful means on the basis of respecting basic principles of international law, especially the principle of respect for independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,” Hằng remarked.

“As an active and responsible member of the international community, Việt Nam is ready to contribute to promoting dialogue and finding solutions to soon stabilise the situation for peace and stability in the region and in the world,” she added.

Reporters also asked about the recent reports alleging that some timber products exported to the United States from Việt Nam actually originated from birch wood forests in Russia’s Far East, which is under economic sanctions related to the conflict.

Hằng said she currently does not have information to this issue.

“However, I want to affirm that as a member of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), Việt Nam always respects and fully complies with the regulations of the WTO and international trade agreements to which Việt Nam is a signatory and member,” she said.

Việt Nam is willing to discuss with the US through existing mechanisms such as the Trade and Investment Framework Agreement to promptly solve a variety of problems, contributing to strengthening the bilateral economic, trade and investment relations, for the benefits of businesses and peoples of the two countries, according to the ministry’s spokesperson. — VNS