Ha affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to its comprehensive partnership with the Netherlands.

Appreciating the significance of Ha’s visit on the occasion of the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries, Schouten expressed her belief that the trip will contribute to deepening the bilateral strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management.

The two Deputy PMs confirmed the determination to further develop the Vietnam-Netherlands comprehensive partnership to be commensurate with the two countries’ potential and wishes of their leaders and people.

They stressed the need to step up the exchange of delegations at all levels via the State, Government and National Assembly channels and people-to-people exchanges; and effectively implement the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA).

Ha proposed the Netherlands soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), back the European Commission’s removal of its ‘yellow card’ warning against Vietnamese seafood exports, and boost collaboration with Vietnam in not only politics and economy, but also in socio-culture; social insurance; child education, care and protection; and human resources training.

Meanwhile, Schouten showed her hope that Vietnam supports the Netherlands in strengthening its relations with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

The two sides affirmed to maintain close coordination and mutual support at multilateral forums and international organisations such as the ASEAN-EU cooperation framework, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), and the United Nations.

Regarding the East Sea issue, both leaders stressed the importance of ensuring peace, stability, security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the East Sea; and settling disputes by peaceful measures on the basis of international law, while emphasising the importance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Ha took this occasion to propose the Dutch Government continue creating favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community in the Western European country to promote its important role as a bridge connecting the two countries. He affirmed that Vietnam welcomes and creates the best environment for foreign investors, businessmen and tourists, including those from the Netherlands.

Earlier, Deputy PM Tran Hong Ha had a meeting with Speaker of the House of Representatives Vera Bergkamp and President of the Senate Jan Anthonie Bruijn, in which he described the Netherlands as Vietnam’s leading partner in trade, investment and cooperation in climate change adaptation; and asserted Vietnam’s determination to comprehensively promote and deepen the strategic partnership framework in the field of climate change and sustainable agriculture.

He proposed the Dutch Parliament soon ratify the EVIPA to contribute to creating favourable conditions for Dutch enterprises to expand their business and investment in Vietnam and push for the EC’s removal of its ‘yellow card’ warning against Vietnamese seafood exports. Ha also suggested the Netherlands and its bilateral and multilateral partners to support Vietnam in implementing the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

The host leaders asserted that Vietnam is an important partner of the Netherlands in the Asia-Pacific region, and spoke highly of close coordination between the Dutch Parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly at regional and international inter-parliamentary forums.

Both sides showed their belief that the cooperation between the two legislatures will develop stronger in the coming time on the bilateral aspect and at multilateral forums, contributing to peace and stability in the world and the region, as well as to addressing global challenges towards sustainable development.

They also shared views on regional and international issues of mutual concern. Regarding the East Sea issue, the two sides affirmed their support for ensuring security, safety and freedom of navigation and aviation, and settling disputes by peaceful means in accordance with international law and the 1982 UNCLOS.

 

On this occasion, Ha conveyed National Assembly Chairman Vuong Dinh Hue's regards and invitations to Vera Bergkamp and Jan Anthonie Bruijn to visit Vietnam. The Dutch leaders accepted the invitations with pleasures and affirmed that they would pay visits to Vietnam in the coming time./. VNA