PRESS STATEMENT BY YB MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS ON THE MEETING WITH THE FAMILY MEMBERS OF OUR PYONGYANG EMBASSY STAFF 11 MARCH 2017
1. We have been entrusted by YAB PM to handle this issue.
2. I had a meeting today to look at all the available options.
3. The safety and security of all staff of our Embassy in Pyongyang and their family members are of my utmost concern at the moment.
4. Wisma Putra is in constant communication with them. I had a phone conversation with En Mohd Azrin just a moment ago.
5. All of them are in good health and high spirits. They are safe in the Embassy’s compound and free to move about and lead a normal life.
6. YAB Prime Minister held a telephone conversation with the staff of our Embassy in Pyongyang and their family members on 9 March 2017. YAB Prime Minister mentioned to them the firm support and prayers by all Malaysians. YAB Prime Minister assured the Embassy staff that efforts to bring them back home is of the Government’s utmost priority.
7. The DPRK Government has given us the assurance of the safety of all Malaysians in DPRK.
8. The Government is doing all that we can to bring them back home as soon as possible. We are currently engaged with the DPRK Government for this purpose through their Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.
9. I am sure that all of the staff members and their families will continue to keep their spirits high. I also hope that all family members here in Malaysia will continue to support them and pray for their well-being and safe return soon.
10. Wisma Putra will continue to be in constant communication with the family members to share updates from time to time. HE Ambassador Mohd Nizan Mohamad is the contact person for the family members.
11. Our staff members have also received support from other Foreign Missions in Pyongyang. For example, during yesterday’s Friday prayers the Ambassadors from the OIC Embassies offered their support and assistance, including the possibility of bringing supplies from outside the DPRK. For your information, Embassies in the DPRK regularly fly to Beijing for this purpose.
12. Wisma Putra has also opened an operations room which operates 24 hours. The telephone number is 03 – 8887 4770.