National Assembly (NA) Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung has told Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte that Vietnam wants the Netherlands to further promote investment and trade.

At a June 16 reception for the Dutch guest and his delegation, NA Chairman Hung expressed his delight at the growing relations between the two countries in recent times especially following their celebration of 40 years of diplomatic ties.

President Sang said that Vietnam welcomes and creates favorable conditions for the Dutch businesses to run long-term and effective investment in the country.

The Vietnamese top legislator spoke highly of the outcome of talks between PMs Mark Rutte and Nguyen Tan Dung, confirming that Vietnam attaches great importance to strengthening the ties of friendship and all-around cooperation with the Netherlands which plays an important role in the European Union (EU).

PM Mark Rutte, in turn, said that his delegation’s visit not only reinforces good political relations but also promotes multifaceted cooperation, especially in economics.

NA Chairman Nguyen Sinh Hung (R) welcomes Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte.

Similarities between the two countries in history, geography and navigation is seen as a solid foundation for bilateral cooperation and the Netherlands is ready to support Vietnam in increasing cooperation with the EU, the Dutch PM said.

The two officials also commended the effective cooperation between the two legislative bodies over the past years and agreed that the two sides have always supported each other at multilateral forums as well as in the Inter- Parliamentary Union (IPU).

They said they believe that this relationship will grow and flourish thus positively contributing to stronger bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.

NA Chairman used the occasion to extend an invitation to the Dutch Speaker of the House of Representatives and Senate Chairman to attend the 132 nd Assembly of the Inter-Parliamentary Union in Hanoi next year.

Receiving the Dutch PM, President Sang applauded the role of the Netherlands as Vietnam’s leading EU  economic and trade partner for many years, saying that the both sides boast huge potential for cooperation in areas of Vietnam’s demand and the Netherlands’ strength such as climate change, agriculture, oil and gas, marine economy, shipbuilding and logistics.

He hailed the outcomes of Rutte’s talks with Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung, especially the signing of a strategic partnership agreement on sustainable agriculture and food security.

The Vietnamese State leader expressed his pleasure at the strong bilateral cooperation in all areas, particularly at a time when both countries have become strategic partners in a number of areas.

President Sang suggested both sides continue increasing the high-level delegation exchanges and actively working together at multilateral forums and expressed his hope that the Netherlands will further support Vietnam in boosting its comprehensive ties with the EU.

PM Mark Rutte stated that the Netherlands desires to promote friendly relations and good cooperation with Vietnam, which plays an important role in Southeast Asia and ASEAN in bilateral and multilateral aspects.

Both sides should strengthen cooperation in economics and priority areas, he stressed, adding that his nation is willing to share its experience in the field of climate change adaptation and water management, especially in developing the Mekong Delta region.

Mark Rutte expressed his country’s support for the EU’s early recognition of Vietnam’s full market economy status and early conclusion of Vietnam- EU FTA.

After hearing about the current East Sea situation, the Dutch PM said the Netherlands closely followed and expressed deep concern about the recent developments in the East Sea

The Netherlands concurred with the EU statement on this issue and backed Vietnam’s stance on peaceful settlement of disputes in accordance with international law.

President Sang extended his regards and an invitation to visit Vietnam to Dutch Monarch Willem Alexander.

VNA/VOV/VNN