Chinh affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to the bilateral friendship and multifaceted relationship.

He expressed his delight to see the two countries effectively implementing the Strategic Partnership framework on climate change and sustainable agriculture, boosting investment and trade, and expanding cooperation to potential fields for sustainable development and responses to global challenges.

Chinh also informed Maxima of the outcome of his talks with his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte.

The two sides agreed to promote the exchange of high-level delegations and implement bilateral cooperation mechanisms and coordinate to organise activities to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of their diplomatic relations in 2023, he said.

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

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

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

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

She spoke highly of Vietnam's implementation of the National Financial Inclusion Strategy and affirmed that as the United Nations Secretary-General’s Special Advocate for Inclusive Finance for Development, she will continue to support Vietnam in implementing SDGs.

On this occasion, Chinh conveyed the invitation of President Nguyen Xuan Phuc to the King and Queen of the Netherlands to visit Vietnam. Queen Maxima happily accepted the invitation and wished to have an opportunity to revisit Vietnam soon.

Prime Minister meets Dutch parliamentarians

Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh had a meeting with President of the Senate and Speaker of the House of Representatives of the Netherlands Jan Anthonie Bruijn and Vera Bergkamp on December 12, as part of his official visit to the European country. 

PM Chinh highlighted the fruitful development of the bilateral relations in politics, economy - trade, and security – defence, affirming that Vietnam always attaches importance to and wishes to strengthen the comprehensive partnership with the Netherlands in all fields.

He highly appreciated the support of the Dutch parliament in promoting multifaceted cooperation with Vietnam.

Chinh suggested the Dutch parliament to soon ratify the EU-Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA); support the European Commission (EC) to soon remove the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) 'yellow card' warning on Vietnamese seafood; and encourage enterprises of the Netherlands to pour more investment in Vietnam in digital transformation, green transformation, food and energy security, climate change response. 

He proposed the Dutch parliament to consider establishing a Netherlands – Vietnam friendship parliamentarian group to strengthen trust and understanding between the two legislative bodies.

For their part, the Dutch parliamentarian leaders expressed their impression of Vietnam's dynamic economic development and the increasing multifaceted cooperation between the two countries over the past time, speaking highly of the close cooperation between the Dutch parliament and the Vietnamese National Assembly. 

They said they support Vietnam's role as a bridge promoting relations between the Dutch Parliament and the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA), and expressed their desire to promote cooperation between the two countries in responding to climate change and rising sea level, especially in the Mekong Delta.
Businesses of the two countries need to fully tap opportunities from the EU – Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), they noted.

The two sides agreed to enhance the exchange of delegations, especially those from committees of the two legislatures, to share information and experience in law-making and supervision.

They said they believe the cooperation relationship between the two parliaments will  become stronger in the coming time, actively contributing to promoting friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries. 

PM Chinh took the occasion to convey an official invitation of Vietnamese NA Chairman to the Dutch parliamentarians to visit Vietnam./. VNA