In Hanoi, Vietnam and the Netherlands recently conducted their second deputy minister-level political consultation, underscoring their dedication to broadening collaboration in multiple sectors. The dialogue was led by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink. Both nations evaluated the advancements in their bilateral relations, celebrating ongoing growth in diplomatic interactions, economic partnerships, and joint efforts in regional and international forums.
Vietnam emphasized its ambitious development targets, aspiring to become an upper-middle-income nation by 2030 and achieving the status of a developed, high-income country by 2045. To reach these milestones, the nation intends to leverage science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as pivotal elements for sustainable progress. In this context, Vietnam sought to deepen the implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership with the Netherlands and enhance existing strategic cooperation frameworks. It advocated for intensified collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation.
Additionally, Vietnam called for support in ratifying the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and urged the removal of trade barriers affecting seafood exports. Meanwhile, the Netherlands reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam, recognizing the country as a significant and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Dutch officials expressed a keen interest in sending larger business delegations to Vietnam and expanding cooperation in high-tech sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Both nations also agreed to bolster cooperation in security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They encouraged stronger connections between local governments and businesses. On the international stage, the two countries reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. They underscored the necessity of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, especially within the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.