Talks were held between the two PMs in Hanoi on April 9 after the welcome ceremony for Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte. The two leaders consented to upgrade Vietnam-Netherlands ties to the level of the comprehensive partnership.
Vietnam always values the enhancement of ties with the Netherlands, one of the European Union (EU) partners of paramount importance to Vietnam. 

The Dutch PM applauded Vietnam’s improving regional and global stature with the successful hosting of major international events, including the second DPRK-US summit. He also said he is impressed by Vietnam’s socio-economic achievements over the past five years.

The Dutch government and business community desire to continue stepping up all-round ties with Vietnam, evidenced by the presence of more than 70 leading Dutch firms during the visit, he noted. 

The two sides said there is still room to further bilateral ties when it comes to the active, effective, and dynamic development of Vietnam-Netherlands friendship and cooperation.
The Netherlands is currently Vietnam’s second largest European trade partner, with two-way trade touching US$7.8 billion in 2018, and its largest European investor, with the total registered capital of US$9.55 billion. 

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 voiced 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. 

The two PMs showed 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 major focus of bilateral collaboration in the near future. 

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

Host and guest underscored 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 of the Dutch PM. 

Source: vov.vn