Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc (R) and Dutch PM Mark Rutte at the talks

The talks took place right after the welcome ceremony in the afternoon.

The Vietnamese PM assured Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte that Vietnam always values the strengthening of ties with the Netherlands, one of the European Union (EU) partners of top importance to Vietnam.

Rutte, for his part, said he is impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past five years. He spoke highly of Vietnam’s improving stature on regional and global scenes with the successful hosting of major international events, including the second DPRK-US summit.

He affirmed that the Dutch government and business community want to continue bolstering all-round ties with Vietnam, evidenced by the presence of over 70 leading Dutch firms during the visit.

Commenting on the active, effective, and dynamic development of Vietnam-Netherlands friendship and cooperation, both sides said there is still room to develop bilateral ties.

The Netherlands is currently Vietnam’s second largest European trade partner, with two-way trade at 7.8 billion USD in 2018; and its largest European investor, with the total registered capital of 9.55 billion USD.

Both leaders pledged to create favourable conditions for the two nations’ enterprises to enhance joint work in the priority fields of agriculture, marine-based and circular economy, and smart city development.

They agreed on the importance of the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), meeting the interests of all parties concerned.

Rutte expressed his support for the early signing and ratification of the above deals, contributing to promoting trade in each market and global trade liberalisation between Vietnam and the EU member states, including Dutch companies.

Host and guest expressed satisfaction with the bilateral strategic partnership in climate change adaptation and water management, as well as partnership in sustainable agriculture and food security with the launch of specific projects, considering them a focus of bilateral collaboration in the near future.

On regional and global issues of shared concern, they vowed to offer close and mutual support at multilateral forums, such as the United Nations, and the ASEAN – EU cooperation.

The two PMs discussed the importance of the maintenance of peace, stability, security, navigation and aviation safety and freedom in the East Sea; asserted the principle of law abidance and their stance on supporting the settlement of disputes by peaceful means in line with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.

Following the talks, the leaders signed a memorandum of understanding on agriculture cooperation in the Mekong Delta between the two governments, witnessed the signing of a cooperation agreement on mutual administrative support in customs and other bilateral deals.

On the occasion, both sides issued a joint statement on the outcomes of the official visit by the Dutch PM.

During his stay in Vietnam, the guest met Party General Secretary and President Nguyen Phu Trong and National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyen Thi Kim Ngan.

In the evening the same day, the Dutch PM attended a sustainable fashion show co-organised by the Hanoi municipal People’s Committee and the Dutch Embassy at Ly Thai To Park before flying home, concluding his visit to Vietnam.

Vietnamese, Dutch PMs attend sustainable fashion show

Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte attended a sustainable fashion show themed “Walk the Talk” in Hanoi on April 9 evening.

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Nguyen Duc Chung said Hanoi city always considers Dutch firms as important partners in the fields of education-training, environment, planning, urban infrastructure, construction materials, investment, trade and tourism.

He added that Hanoi has become a friendly destination for foreign tourists, including those from the Netherlands. Last year, Dutch tourist arrival to Vietnam hit 73,000, up 10 percent annually, ranking 15th out of top 20 markets.

Chung suggested further enhancing exchanges and trade and tourism promotion activities between the European country and Vietnam as well as Hanoi in particular.

The fashion show, co-hosted by the municipal People’s Committee and the Dutch embassy, aims to introduce Dutch fashion styles towards sustainable fashion to the public, thus contributing to achieving sustainable development goals, he said.

The Hanoi leader added that the event not only raises mutual understanding but also offers visitors an insight into joint work in the fields of culture, fashion and environment.

Rutte, for his part, lauded textile and garment as one of Vietnam’s key economic sectors, which he said, has generated jobs to many people, including women.

According to him, innovations will help reduce wastes and save water in the industry. He stressed the need to fully grasp the process in the fashion supply chain from plants in Ho Chi Minh City to Amsterdam shops.

He said the event will help step up responsible business behaviours in the apparel industry.

VNA/VNN