DPRK launched intercontinental ballistic missile on November 29.

Hang made the statement at the ministry’s regular press conference in response to reporters’ queries about the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK)’s intercontinental ballistic missile on November 29.

"Vietnam is extremely worried about the DPRK’s missile tests on November 29, which seriously violates related resolutions of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) and escalates tension in the region,” she said.

The spokesperson also called on all parties to strictly abide by relevant resolutions issued by the UNSC and take practical and constructive actions to contribute to maintaining regional and global peace, security, and stability for benefits of the people.

Regarding support to Vietnamese in Bali to leave volcano Agung area, Hang stated that the Vietnamese Embassy in Indonesia has instructed some 60 Vietnamese citizens stuck in the Indonesian island to leave dangerous areas near Mount Agung, due to volcanic eruption.

Hang said that after receiving the warning from Indonesian authorities of the eruption of volcano Agung, the embassy has updated information from the media and the Internet, while setting up a hotline to receive and respond to requests from Vietnamese citizens and tourists in Bali.

The embassy has also asked for locals’ support in the work.

Currently, the Government of Indonesia has downgraded the warning from "red” to "orange”, the third out of total four alert levels. The international airport in Bali has also been re-opened, allowing some airlines to resume operation in the area.

However, due to developments of Mount Agung, the embassy will continue keep a close watch on the situation. It recommended Vietnamese tourists not to visit Bali until the Indonesian Government downgrades the alert level.

The embassy has also assigned officials to operate the hotline and make plans to send officials and vehicles to assist the Vietnamese citizens in Bali in case the volcano re- erupts.

According to estimations of the Bali hotel association, about 800-1,200 Vietnamese tourists visit the island each month.

Regarding the EU’s proposal to join the East Asia Summit (EAS), the Foreign Ministry’s spokesperson said that Vietnam will constructively work together with other relevant countries to consider the proposal.

Hang stated that the consideration will be made on the basis of consensus reached by ASEAN when the EAS mechanism mulls over its membership expansion.

"Vietnam highly values the EU’s commitment to further enhancing its cooperation with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in general and Vietnam in particular,” she said.

"Vietnam wishes that the EU will continue to participate in and contribute to regional cooperation mechanisms initiated by ASEAN, thus helping promote cooperation and development, and maintain peace, security and stability in the region,” she noted.

The spokesperson also highlighted active achievements of the collaboration across sectors between ASEAN and the EU.

While answering reporters’ query regarding Vietnam’s response to the recent inhumane bomb attack on Egypt’s Sinai Island, which left many innocent people dead and injured, Hang affirmed that Vietnam strongly condemns the bomb attack.

"We offer our deepest sympathy to the Government and people of Egypt, as well as families of the victims, and believe that the terrorists will be punished properly,” she said.

According the foreign media, the massacre took place at a mosque on Sinai on November 24, killing at least 305 people and injuring 120 others.