In a significant stride towards strengthening their bilateral relations, Vietnam and the Netherlands recently conducted their second deputy minister-level political consultation in Hanoi. This meeting, co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and Dutch Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink, underscored a mutual commitment to broadening cooperation across diverse sectors. Both nations reviewed the progress made in their diplomatic relations and expressed satisfaction with the continued growth in economic collaboration and coordination at both regional and international forums.
Vietnam articulated its ambitious development goals, aiming to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a high-income nation by 2045. To realize these objectives, the focus will be on key areas such as science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation, which are seen as crucial drivers of sustainable economic growth. The Vietnamese delegation called for deeper implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership between the two countries and existing strategic cooperation frameworks, emphasizing the need for enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and innovation.
Furthermore, Vietnam urged the Netherlands to support the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and to lift trade restrictions affecting seafood exports. In response, the Netherlands reiterated its dedication to strengthening ties with Vietnam, recognizing the nation as a vital and trusted partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Dutch officials 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.
The two countries also reached an agreement to boost cooperation in areas of security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They advocated for closer connections between local governments and businesses to foster mutual growth. In addressing regional and global challenges, both sides reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, free trade, and peaceful dispute resolution in accordance with international law. They highlighted the significance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly within the context of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.