Delegates attend the ceremony. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

The People’s Committee of Ho Chi Minh City on April 6 organised a ceremony in celebration of the 50th anniversary of Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic relations (April 9, 1973-2023). This milestone marks five decades of cooperation, friendship, and partnership between the two nations, VNA reported.

Speeches from Chairman Mai and Consul General Daniël Stork emphasised the mutual commitment to finding solutions for pressing issues.

An art performance at the event. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said that the celebration is a chance to take a look back on the development journey of the two countries’ traditional relations, and reaffirm the bilateral commitments and act together for a future with new, bigger and brighter cooperation prospects.

Vietnam - Netherlands trade relations have been thriving over the years, especially since the two countries upgraded their relations to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2019.

An art performance at the event. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

Based on the fine relationship between the two countries, HCM City is always among localities that have actively promoted cooperation with the Netherlands.

Trade between the Vietnamese metropolis and the European nation reached USD 1.6 billion last year. The latter is currently running 185 projects totaling over USD 5 billion, ranking fifth out of 117 countries and territories pouring capital into the former, he stressed.

Mai also expressed his belief that with the determination of leaders at all levels and joint efforts of the two peoples, the Vietnam - Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership in general, and cooperation between HCM City and Dutch localities in particular will develop further, for the benefits of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

Dutch Consul General in HCM City Daniel Stork. Photo: Embassy of Kingdom of the Netherlands in Vietnam

Dutch Consul General in HCM City Daniel Stork stated that the Netherlands and Vietnam have continuously upgraded their relationship, and worked together in addressing important global challenges such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and water management. The two countries have focused their efforts on exchanging, cooperating and sharing experiences with Dutch public and business partners for the sustainable future of the Mekong Delta as well as protection of the Vietnamese coast.

He said the Netherlands wishes to tighten relations between the two countries’ governments, businesses and peoples, with the connectivity based on the spirit of openness, diversity and together overcoming the challenges that both are facing with sustainable solutions for the future.

Meanwhile, on April 4, Vietnamese associations in the Netherlands – Students’ association, Vietnamese community association, and women’s union – co-organised the Open Netherlands Games in Amsterdam to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations.

The event, the first of its kind, attracted the participation of many basketball and football teams from European countries including Hungary, Belgium, and France.

The games are sponsored by the Union of Vietnamese Associations in Europe, the Association of Vietnamese in the Netherlands, the Vietnamese Women's Union in the Netherlands, the Vietnamese Association in France, and Pham Van Hien, Director of LTP company in the Netherlands.

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