Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung (right) greets his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam and the Netherlands agreed to establish a strategic partnership on sustainable agriculture and food security during talks between Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung and his Dutch counterpart Mark Rutte in Hanoi on June 16. 

At the talks, PM Dung described Rutte’s June 16-17 visit as significant for the intensive, effective and practical development of the bilateral ties. He affirmed that Vietnam always attaches importance to strengthening relations with the Netherlands, one of its leading EU partners. 

Congratulating Vietnam on its great socio-economic development achievements, the Dutch PM spoke highly of the country’s increasing position in the regional and global arenas. 

He asserted that the Dutch Government and business community wish to further promote their multi-faceted cooperation with Vietnam . 

The two PMs commented that the friendship and cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands have seen a positive, effective and dynamic development in all aspects, evidenced by the establishment of a strategic partnership on climate change adaptation and water management in 2010. 

They noted with pleasure that the two sides have increased the exchange of delegations at all levels, and created favourable conditions for their businesses to enhance collaborations, especially in such prioritised areas as climate change, water management, agriculture, energy, marine economy, logistics services and shipbuilding. 

The two sides agreed to expand cooperation in defence, science-technology, education-training and local cooperation, while regularly organising cultural exchanges in each country, thus strengthening mutual understanding between the two peoples. 

Rutte promised to facilitate the “Vietnam Days in the Netherlands ” event scheduled for this year. 

In a spirit of mutual trust and understanding, the two PMs exchanged their views on regional and international issues of common concern, affirming continued cooperation and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and the ASEAN-EU Cooperation Forum. 

Rutte said his country will back Vietnam in enhancing its comprehensive ties with the EU, and encourage the European Commission (EC) to soon ratify a framework agreement on partnership and comprehensive cooperation (PCA) with Vietnam and recognise Vietnam as a full market economy when negotiations for the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) are concluded. 

Regarding the East Sea situation, PM Dung informed his guest of China’s illegal placement of its oil rig Haiyang Shiyou-981 in Vietnam’s continental shelf and exclusive economic zone, saying it seriously violates international law, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the East Sea (DOC) to which China is a signatory. 

This act directly threatens peace, stability, air and maritime security, safety and freedom in the East Sea , he stressed. 

The Dutch PM expressed his deep concern on the current situation, confirming that the Netherlands shares its view with the May 8 EU Declaration and agrees with the May 10 Statement of ASEAN Foreign Ministers, saying all concerned parties should exercise restraint and solve disputes by peaceful means in line with international law. 

Following their talks, PM Dung and his Dutch counterpart inked an agreement on the Strategic Partnership on Sustainable Agriculture and Food Security. 

They also witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in developing the Son My liquefied natural gas (LNG) receiving terminal in Vietnam and a contract on LNG purchasing for the Thi Vai terminal between the Vietnam National Oil and Gas Corporation and the Netherlands ’ Shell Group. 

On the occasion, the two sides adopted a joint statement on PM Rutte’s official visit to Vietnam . 

In the document, the two sides agreed to strengthen their multi-faceted cooperation, especially in economics, trade and investment. They backed the strengthening of bilateral collaboration in developing the sea-based economy. 

The Dutch side promised to continue providing its support for Vietnam ’s shipbuilding industry while sharing experience in environment, agriculture, water management, education and training through cooperation programmes between the two governments and their businesses, universities and institutes. 

The two sides stressed the importance of peace, stability, air and maritime security, safety and freedom in the East Sea as well as the full and effective implementation of the DOC and the need for the early formation of a Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). 

The two PMs met with reporters to inform them of the outcomes of their talks.

Source: VNA