The recent political consultation at the deputy minister level between Vietnam and the Netherlands in Hanoi has reinforced their shared commitment to broadening cooperation across various sectors. The meeting, jointly led by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart Marcel de Vink, assessed the progress in bilateral relations. They acknowledged the advancement in diplomatic exchanges, economic collaboration, and their joint efforts at regional and global forums.
Vietnam underlined its ambitions to transform into an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and to achieve developed, high-income status by 2045. The country aims to prioritize science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as core elements for sustainable growth. Vietnamese representatives called for a deeper engagement in the Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic cooperation frameworks between the two nations. They also encouraged further collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, digital innovation, and technological advancement.
Emphasizing the importance of economic ties, Vietnam sought the Netherlands’ support for the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and the lifting of trade barriers affecting seafood exports. Dutch representatives affirmed their dedication to enhancing relations with Vietnam, recognizing the nation as a vital and reliable partner within the Asia-Pacific region. There was expressed interest in deploying larger business delegations to Vietnam and expanding joint efforts in high-tech industries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce training.
Additionally, the two countries agreed to bolster cooperation in security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They also advocated for stronger connections between local governments and businesses. On the topic of regional and international matters, both sides reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful settlement of disputes according to international law. They highlighted the significance of maintaining peace, stability, and the freedom of navigation and overflight, especially within the context of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.