The second deputy minister-level political consultation between Vietnam and the Netherlands took place in Hanoi, where the two nations reinforced their commitment to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors. The meeting was jointly led by Vietnamese Deputy Foreign Minister Lê Thị Thu Hằng and her Dutch counterpart Marcel de Vink. During the discussions, both parties assessed the advancements in their bilateral relations, noting the positive trajectory in diplomatic exchanges, economic partnerships, and collaborative efforts at regional and international forums.
Vietnam outlined its ambitious development objectives of reaching upper-middle-income status by 2030 and becoming a high-income, developed nation by 2045. To realize these goals, Vietnam emphasized the importance of science and technology, innovation, and digital transformation as vital components of sustainable growth. The country called for a deeper implementation of the Comprehensive Partnership and existing strategic cooperation frameworks with the Netherlands, urging enhanced collaboration in areas such as trade, investment, sustainable agriculture, climate adaptation, and green transition.
The Vietnamese side also sought support for the ratification of the EU–Vietnam Investment Protection Agreement and the lifting of trade barriers affecting seafood exports. In response, the Netherlands reiterated its dedication to bolstering ties with Vietnam, acknowledging the Southeast Asian nation as a significant and reliable partner in the Asia-Pacific region. Dutch officials expressed a desire to send larger business delegations to Vietnam and expand cooperation in high-technology sectors, including semiconductors, artificial intelligence, scientific research, and workforce development.
Furthermore, both countries agreed to intensify cooperation in security, defense, justice, culture, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges. They encouraged stronger connections between local governments and businesses to foster deeper engagement. On the global stage, Vietnam and the Netherlands reiterated their support for multilateralism, free trade, and the peaceful resolution of disputes in alignment with international law. They highlighted the critical importance of maintaining peace, stability, and freedom of navigation and overflight, particularly under the framework of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea.