In a significant diplomatic engagement, Vietnam and the Netherlands convened their second deputy minister-level political consultation in Hanoi, solidifying their intent to broaden cooperation across various sectors. This meeting was co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and Dutch Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink. Both nations assessed the advancements in their bilateral relations, celebrating the ongoing enhancement of diplomatic exchanges, economic collaboration, and joint participation in regional and international forums.
Vietnam underscored its strategic goals of achieving upper-middle-income status by 2030 and becoming a developed, high-income nation by 2045. To realize these milestones, the country intends to prioritize science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as the main catalysts for sustainable growth. In line with these ambitions, Vietnam advocated for a more profound implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic cooperation frameworks between the two nations. The Vietnamese representatives also called for enhanced cooperation in areas such as trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation.
Furthermore, Vietnam pressed for support in ratifying the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and urged the lifting of trade restrictions on seafood exports. Meanwhile, the Netherlands reiterated its dedication to deepening ties with Vietnam, acknowledging the country as a significant and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Dutch officials conveyed their interest in dispatching larger business delegations to Vietnam and expanding collaboration in high-tech industries, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Both nations agreed to boost cooperation in several sectors, including security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, while also fostering stronger connections between local governments and businesses. On the international front, the two sides reaffirmed their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. They also underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and the freedom of navigation and overflight, especially within the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.
