Vietnam-Netherlands cooperation will develop strongly on the basis of many similarities.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten - Photo: VGP/Minh Khoi

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha thanked Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten for the warm and respectful reception given to the Vietnamese delegation; affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten assessed that the Deputy Prime Minister's visit was of special significance as the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973 - 2023); she believed that the visit would contribute to further deepening the Strategic Partnership framework on Climate Change Adaptation and Water Management.

Discussing bilateral relations, the two Deputy Prime Ministers welcomed the positive developments in the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands in recent times; affirmed their determination to deepen the Vietnam-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership, making it effective and commensurate with the potential and aspirations of the senior leaders and people of the two countries.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha believes that the Vietnam-Netherlands relationship will not stop at traditional cooperation areas of climate change response, water resources, and environmental protection, but will expand to other potential areas - Photo: VGP/Minh Khoi

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten agreed that in the coming time, it is necessary to increase delegation exchanges at all levels, especially high-level ones, through State, Government, National Assembly and people-to-people channels; and effectively implement the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The two Deputy Prime Ministers emphasized that the two countries share many similarities in natural conditions, are affected by climate change and rising sea levels, and are determined to act towards green and sustainable development, promoting energy transition, especially in the context that Vietnam and its G7 partners are implementing the Political Declaration on a Just Energy Transition (JETP). Vietnam and the Netherlands need to continue to coordinate closely within the framework of the Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Adaptation and Sustainable Agriculture.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha proposed that the Netherlands soon ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and support the European Commission (EC) in removing the IUU yellow card for Vietnam's seafood exports; and suggested that the Netherlands promote cooperation with Vietnam not only in politics and economics but also in socio-culture such as retirement, social insurance, child protection, care, education, gender equality, human resource development, etc.

Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten expressed her impression of Vietnam's socio-economic development achievements, especially after the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic - Photo: VGP/Minh Khoi

Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten hopes that Vietnam will support the Netherlands in strengthening relations with ASEAN.

The two sides affirmed to continue to closely coordinate and support each other at multilateral forums and international organizations such as the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, ASEM, the United Nations, etc.

Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides affirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea, resolving disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law, emphasizing the important significance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha and Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten agreed on directions for effectively implementing bilateral cooperation mechanisms, thereby comprehensively promoting bilateral relations - Photo: VGP/Minh Khoi

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha asked the Dutch Government to continue creating favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the Netherlands, promoting its important role as a bridge in the friendly relations between the two countries; at the same time, he affirmed that Vietnam welcomes and creates the best environment for foreign investors, businessmen and tourists in Vietnam, including the Netherlands.

Source: https://baotainguyenmoitruong.vn/quan-he-hop-tac-viet-nam-ha-lan-se-phat-trien-manh-me-tren-co-so-tuong-dong-nhieu-diem-360115.html