PM Chinh meets Dutch parliamentary leaders and Queen Maxima

The Vietnamese Government chief applauded the fruitful development of the bilateral relations in politics, economics-trade, and security–defence, thereby affirming that the country attaches great importance to and wishes to strengthen the comprehensive partnership that exists in a multitude of fields.

He noted his appreciation for the continued support of the Dutch parliament in promoting multifaceted ties with the Vietnamese side.

PM Chinh requested that the Dutch parliament quickly move to ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA), and support the European Commission (EC) to swiftly remove the illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) 'yellow card' warning placed on Vietnamese seafood. This is along with encouraging the Netherlands’ enterprises to pour more investment into the Vietnamese market in digital transformation, green transformation, food and energy security, as well as climate change response. 

He suggested that the Dutch parliament consider establishing a Netherlands – Vietnam friendship parliamentarian group in a bid to strengthen trust and understanding between the two respective legislative bodies.

In response, the Dutch parliamentary leaders expressed their positive view of dynamic Vietnamese economic development and the increasing multifaceted co-operation between the two countries, speaking highly of the close ties between the Dutch parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly. 

They expressed their support for Vietnam's role as a bridge promoting relations between the Dutch Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), expressing a strong desire to promote links between the two nations in climate change adaptation and sea level rises, especially in the Mekong Delta.

Businesses of the two sides must seek to fully tap into the opportunities from the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), they noted.

The two sides thereby consented to intensify the exchange of delegations, especially those from committees of the two legislative bodies, as well as sharing information and experience in law-making and supervision.

They stated their belief that the co-operation relationship between the two legislatures will  become stronger moving forward, thereby actively contributing to promoting friendship and multifaceted co-operation between the two countries. 

PM Chinh used the occasion as a means of conveying an official invitation from the Vietnamese NA Chairman to the Dutch parliamentarians to visit the country.

Upon meeting with Queen Maxima of the Netherlands on the same day, the Vietnamese Government chief voiced his hope that the royal family and the queen continue to support efforts aimed at boosting the two countries’ relations, along with its financial aid and technical transfer to Vietnam.

He affirmed that the nation continues to place importance on the bilateral friendship and all-around relationship.

PM Chinh showed his elation at seeing the two countries effectively carry out the Strategic Partnership framework on climate change and sustainable agriculture, a move which boosts investment and trade, whilst expanding co-operation to potential fields for sustainable development and responses to global challenges.

He also briefed the Queen on the outcome of his talks held with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.

The two sides concurred to strengthen the exchange of high-level delegations and implement bilateral co-operation mechanisms, as well as working together to launch a broad array of activities in celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties next year, he continued.

The two countries are in the process of effectively implementing the Vietnam - EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA). The Netherlands therefore supports the ratification of the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) and the early removal of the European Commission’s IUU “yellow card” warning placed against Vietnamese aquatic product exports.

They will also continue to effectively realise the framework of Strategic Partnership on Climate Change Response and Water Management, as well as the Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security.

Both sides reaffirmed the assurance of safety and freedom of navigation and aviation in the region, particularly the peaceful settlement of disputes following international law, especially the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

For her part, Queen Maxima expressed that she is impressed by the positive Vietnamese achievements in socio-economic development, especially in its implementation of sustainable development goals (SDGs).

She therefore applauded the Vietnamese implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and affirmed that as the UN Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, she will continue to support Vietnam in implementing SDGs.

As part of the occasion, PM Chinh conveyed an invitation made by President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the King and Queen of the Netherlands to visit Vietnam. Queen Maxima graciously accepted the invitation and expressed a keen desire to have the opportunity to revisit Vietnam in the near future.