Cementing friendship with the Netherlands, Uzbekistan and the Ukraine

The signing of important agreements, numerous contracts and investment projects during these visits has provided fresh impetus for fostering bilateral cooperation between Vietnam and the three countries in various fields.

** This was the first time since establishing their diplomatic ties 38 years ago, Vietnam and the Netherlands, which have a long coastline and large delta areas, showed keen interest in boosting bilateral cooperation in climate change adaptation and water resources management.

Dutch Queen Beatrix, Prince Willem Alexander, Prime Minister Mark Rutte, and leaders of the House of Representatives all said the Netherlands was ready to provide Vietnam with technical and technological assistance to deal with climate change and manage water resources. 

In addition to concretizing the strategic partnership in climate change adaptation and water resources management, a number of documents were signed between the two countries’ ministries and agencies, opening up new opportunities for broader investment, and trade cooperation, especially in oil and gas, agriculture, sea ports, and logistic services.

In reply to VOV reporter’s question about the result of PM Dung’s visit, Dutch Deputy Prime Minister Maxime Verhagen said this was a successful one that would create the most favourable conditions for both countries to enhance their multifaceted cooperation.

"We have agreed to launch an international advanced energy technology programme from which Vietnamese experts will be able to gain access to the most creative energy solutions,"s he said.

He also said the Dutch Ministry of Agriculture and Innovation and the Dutch embassy in Vietnam will support businesses of the Netherlands in boosting investment and cooperation in Vietnam.

** At the official visit to Uzbekistan, PM Dung was warmly welcomed by PM Shavkat Mirziyoyev, who expressed his admiration for the Vietnamese people’s undauntedness and resilience during their past struggle for national independence and unification.

During talks, both sides agreed to strengthen ties by creating favourable conditions for businesses to boost cooperation in agriculture, cotton production, construction materials, electronics, information technology, telecommunications, and especially oil and gas.

** PM Dung’s visit to Ukraine was the first one to the country made by a Vietnamese leader in 17 years. It marked a milestone in the relationship between the two countries, which is based on the spirit of cooperation and comprehensive partnership.

The two sides discussed short-term and long-term measures to enhance cooperation in various fields, including energy, mechanics, machinery manufacturing, agriculture, and telecommunications.

Accordingly, Vietnam and Uzbekistan will join efforts to double two-way trade turnover in 2012 and speed up negotiations about the signing of a Vietnam-Ukraine free trade agreement, which will be a legal basis for closer trade cooperation.

Mr Dung’s visits to the Netherlands, Uzbekistan, and the Ukraine were considered a great contribution to raising Vietnam’s status in the international arena.