Iran’s Foreign Minister Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Friday said that the crew of a Portuguese-flagged vessel seized by Iranian forces have been given access to consular services and are likely to be released.
Portugal’s newly-appointed Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel had a phone conversation with his Iranian counterpart Hossein Amir Abdollahian on Friday and exchanged views on the bilateral relations and the situation in the region, with the developments in Palestine standing out in their talks.
During their talks both sides exchanged their latest views on a Portuguese-flagged ship seized by Iranian forces.
Iran’s foreign minister Amir Abdollahian touched on the issue, saying, “We seriously consider the release of the ship’s crew as a humanitarian issue, and we have announced to their ambassadors in Tehran their access to consular services, release and extradition.”
Iran’s Foreign Ministry didn’t disclose the name of the vessel but its worth reminding that the Portugal-flagged vessel MSC Aries was seized by the Iranian authorities on April 13 in the Strait of Hormuz while transiting international waters.
Meanwhile, India’s ministry of external affairs said on April 18 that an Indian woman cadet on vessel MSC Aries has returned home.
With the concerted efforts of Indian Mission in Tehran and the Iranian Government, the Indian deck cadet, who was among the Indian crew members of container vessel MSC Aries, has landed safely at the Cochin International Airport.
As it is reported, the Indian Mission in Tehran remains seized of the matter and is in touch with the remaining 16 Indian crew members of the container vessel.
“The crew members are in good health and in contact with their family members in India,” said the ministry.
Indian Mission is also in touch with the Iranian authorities in ensuring the well being of the remaining crew members of MSC Aries.
Earlier, External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar had spoken to his Iranian counterpart Foreign Minister Amir Abdollahian on the matter.
