In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vietnam and the Netherlands convened their second deputy minister-level political consultation in Hanoi. This meeting underscored a mutual commitment to broadening cooperation in numerous sectors, further solidifying their bilateral relationship. Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink, led the discussions, which assessed the progress in their diplomatic ties and celebrated the ongoing enhancement of economic cooperation and interaction at various regional and international forums.
Vietnam, with its ambitious vision of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030 and becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045, emphasized its strategic focus on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. These elements are viewed as pivotal in driving sustainable economic growth. The Vietnamese delegation advocated for a more profound execution of their Comprehensive Partnership and strategic cooperation frameworks, urging collaboration in areas like trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate resilience, green transitions, digital advancement, and innovation.
Additionally, Vietnam called for the European Union’s support in ratifying the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and advocated for the elimination of trade barriers affecting its seafood exports. On the Dutch side, the officials reiterated their dedication to enhancing ties with Vietnam, acknowledging the Southeast Asian nation as a key and reliable partner within the Asia-Pacific region. The Dutch expressed an interest in increasing business delegations to Vietnam and exploring further cooperation in sectors such as high-tech industries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Beyond economic cooperation, both nations agreed to bolster collaboration in security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also encouraged stronger connections between local governments and businesses. In terms of regional and global issues, the two countries reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of conflicts in line with international law, emphasizing the need to maintain peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight. This was especially highlighted under the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.