The Netherlands is an important partner of Vietnam in Europe, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said at a reception for newly-accredited Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Elsbeth Akkerman in Hanoi on March 14.

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Elsbeth Akkerman

Vietnam always attaches importance to its friendly relations and effective multifaceted cooperation with the Netherlands, PM Phuc said.

He believed that the ambassador will have a successful working tenure in Vietnam and make active contributions to the bilateral relations.

While emphasising the common goal of building the Vietnam-Netherlands comprehensive partnership, the PM also reminded the establishment of the strategic partnership on climate change adaptation.

Vietnam and the Netherlands also set a target of strong cooperation in trade and investment, he noted.

Akkerman hoped the two sides would develop specific measures to swiftly elevate the bilateral relations.

Based on the 45-year diplomatic ties, Vietnam and the Netherlands have coordinated and exchanged delegations in various fields, especially in water management and the development of clean and renewable energy.

The governments and business communities of the two countries have also organised a number of comprehensive cooperation activities that open up prospects to promote the bilateral collaborative ties in a more effective and pragmatic manner, she said.

The diplomat congratulated the Vietnamese government and people on the successful organisation of the second DPRK-US summit in Hanoi in February.

She expressed her belief that Vietnam will continue gaining new accomplishments in its position as Chair of ASEAN in 2020, as well as becoming a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council for the 2020-2021 tenure.

PM Phuc called on Vietnam and the Netherlands to continuously enhance cooperation in economy, trade, and investment and hoped the two countries would implement concrete measures to soon increase two-way trade.

The Vietnamese government, localities, and businesses are keen on partnering with Dutch enterprises, especially in the fields of their strength, such as climate change adaptation, clean energy development, water resources management, sustainable agriculture, and food security, he said, adding that they are the key areas for Vietnam’s development.

He affirmed that the Vietnamese government and ministries will create all favourable conditions for the ambassador to fulfil her missions in Vietnam.–VNA