In Hanoi, Vietnam and the Netherlands recently conducted their second political consultation at the deputy minister level, reaffirming their mutual resolve to broaden cooperation across numerous sectors. The discussions were led by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink. Both nations took this opportunity to evaluate the progress made in their bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the ongoing growth in diplomatic interactions, economic partnerships, and collaborative efforts at both regional and international levels.
Vietnam underscored its ambitious vision to reach upper-middle-income status by 2030 and to become a high-income, developed country by 2045. To accomplish these long-term objectives, the nation plans to emphasize science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as essential components driving sustainable development. In line with these goals, Vietnam advocated for a deeper implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic frameworks with the Netherlands, while also seeking enhanced collaboration in the areas of trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, and innovation.
The Vietnamese government also called for the Netherlands’ support in ratifying the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and the elimination of trade barriers affecting seafood exports. Recognizing Vietnam as a significant and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region, the Netherlands reiterated its dedication to strengthening bilateral ties. Dutch officials expressed a keen interest in sending larger business delegations to Vietnam, with an aim to expand cooperation in high-technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Furthermore, both countries agreed to intensify their collaboration in areas such as security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also advocated for stronger connections between local governments and businesses in both nations. On the international front, Vietnam and the Netherlands emphasized their shared commitment to multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes following international law. They highlighted the necessity of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly under the guidelines of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.