Vietnam and the Netherlands have reaffirmed their commitment to enhancing cooperation across various sectors during their second deputy minister-level political consultation in Hanoi. Co-chaired by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and Dutch Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink, the meeting focused on reviewing the progress of bilateral relations and strengthening diplomatic exchanges, economic ties, and collaboration at both regional and international forums.
Vietnam outlined its ambitious development goals, aiming to become an upper-middle-income country by 2030 and a developed, high-income nation by 2045. To achieve these objectives, Vietnam plans to prioritize science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation as crucial elements for sustainable growth. The Vietnamese side called for deeper implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic cooperation frameworks, with an emphasis on trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, green transition, digital transformation, and innovation.
Additionally, Vietnam urged the Netherlands to support the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and to lift trade restrictions related to seafood exports. In response, the Netherlands reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening ties with Vietnam, acknowledging the country as a significant and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Dutch officials expressed interest in expanding cooperation in high-technology industries, semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development, as well as sending larger business delegations to Vietnam.
The two nations also agreed to enhance collaboration in security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, while fostering closer connections between local governments and businesses. On the international front, both countries reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in accordance with international law. They underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly under the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.