In Hanoi, Vietnam and the Netherlands recently conducted their second deputy minister-level political consultation, with both nations reaffirming their dedication to enhancing cooperation across various sectors. The meeting was presided over by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink. During the discussions, both parties assessed the progress in bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the ongoing growth in diplomatic exchanges, economic collaboration, and their joint efforts at regional and international platforms.
The Vietnamese government outlined its ambitious development goals, aspiring to achieve upper-middle-income status by 2030 and becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045. To meet these targets, Vietnam plans to prioritize science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as essential components of sustainable growth. The Vietnamese delegation emphasized the need for deeper implementation of the two countries’ Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic cooperation frameworks, advocating for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation.
Furthermore, Vietnam highlighted the importance of support for the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and called for the removal of trade barriers impacting seafood exports. Meanwhile, the Netherlands underscored its commitment to bolstering ties with Vietnam, regarding the country as a significant and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Dutch representatives expressed a keen interest in sending larger business delegations to Vietnam and expanding cooperation in high-tech industries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Both countries agreed to strengthen cooperation in various fields such as security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also encouraged closer connections between local governments and businesses. On broader regional and global issues, the two sides reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. They emphasized the crucial importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly under the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.