Vietnamese diplomat abducted in Brazil

Hanoi (VNA) - The Vietnamese embassy in Brazil said a counselor from the embassy was kidnapped at around 11: 30 a.m on Aug. 16 (local time).

According to the embassy, counselor Vu Thanh Nam was abducted by a group of armed robbers when he was visiting the city of Rio de Janeiro with his relatives.

Learning the news, Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Pham Gia Khiem cabled an urgent telegraph to Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Nunez Amorim on Aug. 17, expressing the nation's deep concern about this extremely important case.

The Deputy Prime Minister asked the Brazilian side to take urgent measures to rescue Mr. Vu Thanh Nam early and safely in line with international practice and the fine friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

He said the Vietnamese government pays special attention to the case and has instructed the Foreign Ministry and relevant agencies to employ urgent measures in coordination with the Brazilian side to free Mr. Vu Thanh Nam.

The Vietnamese Foreign Ministry met with Brazilian Ambassador in Hanoi Joao Mendoza Neto da Lima while the Vietnamese Embassy in Brazil immediately contacted the Brazilian Foreign Ministry and the authorities of Rio de Janeiro, requesting urgent action to rescue Mr. Nam and save his life.

The Brazilian side said it was regrettable for what happened, saying this was the first-ever abduction of a diplomat in Brazil and affirming to do its best to rescue Mr. Nam from the kidnappers.

At present, the two sides are coordinating closely to follow developments of the case and taking necessary steps in order to rescue Mr. Vu Thanh Nam and ensure his safety.

The Foreign Ministry's representatives have met with the family of Mr. Nam and informed them of developments of the case.