Vietnam treasures comprehensive cooperation with Netherlands: PM

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in the talks. (Photo: VNA)

Hoping the Netherlands to support Vietnam in connecting its ports and industrial zones with Europe, PM Pham Minh Chinh urged the Dutch parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA).

Rutte, for his part, praised Vietnam’s achievements over the past time, particularly in COVID-19 prevention and control. He said the two nations should work closely together in promoting trade and investment for recovery and growth.

The leaders agreed that cooperation programmes in the time to come will include a master planning of the Vietnamese Mekong Delta region for sustainable development in response to climate change toward 2030 with a vision to 2050; and a programme on sustainable agricultural transformation in the delta. They also agreed to promote the development of a circular economy and renewable energy to serve the goals of sustainable growth in each country.

They consented to maintain regular exchange mechanisms and cooperation orientations regarding seaports, education, and tourism.

PM Pham Minh Chinh proposed the Netherlands grant scholarships for Vietnamese students and create favourable conditions for Vietnamese expatriate communities there.

The two PMs discussed measures to promote collaboration between the nations within the framework of their strategic partnership and agreed to boost the bilateral public private cooperation, focusing on sectors of the Netherlands’ strength and Vietnam’s demand.

Exchanging views on increasing the countries’ join work at regional and multilateral forums, particularly concerning the East Sea issue, they underscored the importance of maintaining peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the waters; tackling disputes based on international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS); fully and effectively implementing the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC); and building a practical and effective Code of Conduct in the waters.

On the occasion, PM Pham Minh Chinh invited his Dutch counterpart to visit Vietnam again and the invitation was accepted with delight. Rutte said he hoped to soon welcome Chinh in the Netherlands for an official visit in the near future./.