Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten (R) welcomes Vietnamese Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha in The Hague on June 26 ahead of their talks. Photo: VGP

Within the framework of a business trip to the Netherlands, and co-chaired the 8th session of the Vietnam-Netherlands Intergovernmental Committee on climate change adaptation and water management, on June 26, in The Hague, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha held talks with Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha thanked Deputy Prime Minister Carola Schouten for the warm welcome to the Vietnamese delegation. He said Vietnam always attaches importance to the comprehensive partnership between the two countries.

The Dutch Deputy Prime Minister assessed that the visit of his Vietnamese counterpart is of special significance when the two countries celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations (1973-2023). He believes that the visit will contribute to further deepening the strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management.

Talking about bilateral relations, the two leaders appreciated the positive developments in friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands. They affirmed their determination to bring the Vietnam-Netherlands comprehensive partnership into depth and effectiveness, commensurate with the potential and wishes of the leaders, and people of the two countries.

The two sides agreed that in the coming time, it is necessary to strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels, especially high-level, and effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

The two Deputy Prime Ministers emphasized that Vietnam and the Netherlands have many similarities in terms of natural conditions.

The two countries are affected by climate change, sea level rise, and are determined to act towards green and sustainable development, promote energy transition.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha suggested the Netherlands soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and support the European Commission (EC) to remove the IUU yellow card for seafood exports from Vietnam.

He suggested that the Netherlands promote cooperation with Vietnam not only in politics and economy, but also in socio-cultural, social insurance, childcare, education, gender equality, and human resource development.

Regarding the South China Sea issue, the two sides affirmed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, settling disputes by peaceful means on the basis of international law.

They emphasized the importance of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) 1982.

On this occasion, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha suggested that the Dutch Government continue to create favorable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the country. He also affirmed that Vietnam welcomes and creates the best environment for foreign investors, businessmen and tourists, including the Netherlands, to come to Vietnam.

Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha meets with Speaker of the House of Representatives Vera Bergkamp and President of the Senate Jan Anthonie Bruijn, in The Hague on June 26. Photo: VNA

Earlier, Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha met with Speaker of the House of Representatives Vera Bergkamp, and President of the Senate Jan Anthonie Bruijn.

Ha said the Netherlands is Vietnam’s leading trade, investment and climate change adaptation partner. He noted with satisfaction the positive developments in bilateral relations as well as the good relationship between the National Assembly of Vietnam, and the Parliament of the Netherlands.

He voiced Vietnam’s resolve to comprehensively promote and deepen the strategic partnership framework in the field of climate change and sustainable agriculture between the two countries.

Both the House Speaker and Senate President expressed their impression of Vietnam's strong socio-economic development, affirming that Vietnam is an important partner of the Netherlands in the Asia-Pacific region.

They appreciated the close coordination between the Dutch Parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums.

They also further promoted the Vietnam-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership, and hoped that Vietnam would support the Netherlands in strengthening relations with ASEAN.

The two sides agreed to strengthen the exchange of delegations at all levels, and implement the results achieved during the official visit to the Netherlands by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in December 2022.

They believe that the relationship between the National Assembly of Vietnam and the Parliament of the Netherlands will develop on a bilateral basis, and at multilateral forums. It contributes to peace and stability in the world and the region, as well as the resolution of global challenges, towards sustainable development.

The two sides also shared views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Regarding the South China Sea issue, the two sides affirmed their support for ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and settling disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982).

The Deputy Prime Minister conveyed the greetings and invitations to visit Vietnam from National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue to the House Speaker and the Senate President.

The two leaders of the Dutch Parliament accepted the invitations and said they would visit Vietnam soon in the near future.

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