Vietnam and the Netherlands have reinforced their intention to broaden cooperation in numerous sectors during their second deputy minister-level political consultation held in Hanoi. This significant meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart, Marcel de Vink. Both nations reviewed the progress of their bilateral relations, celebrating the ongoing growth in diplomatic exchanges and economic collaboration, while also enhancing coordination at regional and international forums.
Vietnam emphasized its strategic development goals, aiming to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income nation by 2045. The country plans to focus on science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as pivotal drivers for sustainable growth. In this context, Vietnam called for a more profound implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic cooperation frameworks with the Netherlands, advocating for stronger collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation.
The Vietnamese delegation also sought support for the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and the elimination of trade restrictions affecting seafood exports. Meanwhile, the Netherlands reiterated its commitment to bolstering ties with Vietnam, recognizing it as a crucial 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-technology industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
The discussions also touched upon enhancing bilateral cooperation in security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. Both nations encouraged closer ties between local governments and businesses. On the broader stage, Vietnam and the Netherlands reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes based on international law. They underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly in line with the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.