Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh chaired the solemn welcoming ceremony of Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte's official visit to Vietnam from November 1-2. Photo: Vietnamnet

Vietnam-Netherlands' long-standing relationship

At the invitation of Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte paid an official visit to Vietnam from November 1 to November 2. On the morning of November 2, after the official welcoming ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

At the talks, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh emphasized that Prime Minister Mark Rutte's visit has important significance on the occasion of the two countries celebrating the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations (1973-2023), contributing to the Vietnam-Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership.

The Prime Minister appreciated the friendly, sincere and trusted partnership between the two countries, which is typical of a dynamic, effective and practical relationship.

He also affirmed that the two countries are determined to cooperate, and develop self-reliance and sustainability, contributing to peace, stability, and development in the region and the world.

At the meeting, the Dutch Prime Minister affirmed that Vietnam is a priority and important partner of the Netherlands in the Indo-Pacific region.

He expressed his joy in officially visiting Vietnam for the third time and meeting Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh again after nearly a year since the PM's official visit to the Netherlands in December 2022.

The Dutch Prime Minister emphasized that the two countries have a longstanding relationship dating back more than 400 years when Dutch merchant ships docked at Hoi An port.

He reiterated his good impression of his official visit to Vietnam in 2019 and his meeting with General Secretary Nguyen Phu Trong.

Expanding cooperation in the field of digital and high technology

The two Prime Ministers had a comprehensive exchange on the socio-economic development situation of each country and measures to promote bilateral relations. They discussed international and regional issues of common concern.

The Dutch Prime Minister expressed his impression of Vietnam's "miraculous achievements" in the process of recovery and socio-economic development after the Covid-19 pandemic, and since his 2019 visit.

The two Prime Ministers at the Government headquarters. Photo: Vietnamnet

The two leaders appreciated the efforts of the two sides in realizing commitments and cooperation agreements since the official visit to the Netherlands by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh (December 2022).

The two countries had delegation exchanges, cooperation mechanisms continue to be implemented and a number of new cooperation documents have been signed.

The two Prime Ministers agreed to enhance political trust through the exchange of high-level delegations, continue to effectively deploy bilateral cooperation mechanisms and agreements, research and establish new mechanisms to deepen cooperation between the two countries.

They affirmed that economics and trade are an important pillar in the relationship between the two countries, and agreed to continue to fully and effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

PM Pham Minh Chinh asked the Netherlands to support the EC to soon remove the IUU "yellow card" for Vietnam's seafood exports, ratify the Vietnam-EU Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and encourage Dutch businesses to promote investment in Vietnam in high technology, seaports, and strategic infrastructure.

The Dutch Prime Minister said Dutch businesses are interested in Vietnam's political stability, favorable investment, and business environment.

He agreed to accelerate the ratification process of the EVIPA. Mark Rutte appreciated Vietnam's efforts to develop sustainable fisheries and affirmed that he will continue to coordinate closely with EU member countries to support Vietnam.

After the official welcoming ceremony, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh held talks with Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. Photo: Vietnamnet

The two leaders agreed to continue promoting the strategic partnership framework on climate change adaptation, water management, and sustainable agriculture.

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh proposed that the Netherlands and G7 countries support Vietnam in technology, finance, human resources, and institutional improvement to effectively deploy the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP), establish a trilateral cooperation mechanism on agriculture, contributing to solving global food security issues.

The Prime Minister of the Netherlands expressed his interest in supporting the Mekong Delta region to cope with climate change.

He affirmed to support for Vietnam in implementing the Mekong Delta Plan for the period 2021-2030, vision 2050, plan for sustainable agricultural transformation in the Delta, and completing the legal framework for water resource management.

At the talks, the two leaders discussed extensively international and regional issues of mutual concern.

They agreed to continue to coordinate and support each other at international and regional organizations, especially the United Nations and the ASEAN-EU framework.

The Dutch Prime Minister appreciated Vietnam's foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, diversification, multilateralization, and resolving disputes by peaceful means, based on international law.

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