In Hanoi, Vietnam and the Netherlands recently conducted their second deputy minister-level political consultation, underscoring their mutual commitment to broaden cooperation across numerous sectors. This meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink. Both nations evaluated the progress made in their bilateral relations, expressing satisfaction with the continued growth in diplomatic exchanges, economic collaboration, and joint efforts in regional and international forums.
Vietnam presented its long-term development ambitions to transform into an upper-middle-income country by 2030, and eventually into a developed, high-income nation by 2045. To realize these goals, Vietnam intends to prioritize advancements in science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the core elements driving sustainable growth. The Vietnamese officials advocated for a more profound implementation of the existing Comprehensive Partnership and strategic cooperation frameworks with the Netherlands, urging enhanced collaboration in trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, and technological innovation.
One of Vietnam’s focal points in the discussions was the support for the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and the removal of trade restrictions impacting seafood exports. On the Dutch side, the commitment to fortifying ties with Vietnam was reaffirmed, with Dutch officials recognizing Vietnam as a crucial and dependable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. The Netherlands expressed interest in dispatching larger business delegations to Vietnam and expanding their cooperation in high-technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Both countries agreed to intensify their cooperation in areas such as security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and fostering people-to-people exchanges. They also encouraged stronger connections between local governments and businesses. On the global and regional stage, both sides reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in alignment with international law. They emphasized the significance 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.