National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân highlighted the development of Việt Nam-Netherlands co-operation in all areas over the past 45 years while addressing a ceremony in The Hague yesterday. — VNA/VNS Photo Trọng Đức

THE HAGUE — National Assembly Chairwoman Nguyễn Thị Kim Ngân highlighted the development of Việt Nam-Netherlands co-operation in all areas over the past 45 years while addressing a ceremony in The Hague yesterday. 

The top legislator attended the ceremony marking the 45th anniversary of diplomatic ties between Việt Nam and the Netherlands as part of her official visit to the country from March 26-28. 

Việt Nam and the Netherlands are strategic partners in major spheres like climate change response and water management, and food security and sustainable development, she said. 

Such achievements have been reaped for more than 400 years since Dutch vessels anchored at Việt Nam’s Hội An port to trade rice and pepper, the NA Chairwoman stressed. 

Nowadays, the Netherlands is affirming its role as Việt Nam’s leading European investment and trade partner, with famous businesses like Heineken, Damen, Unilever, Fiesland Campina and Philips in the Asian country, she said. 

The leader hailed the contributions of the Dutch firms to Việt Nam’s development, as well as ties between the two countries. 

The sectoral strategic partnership created a premise for bilateral collaboration in all areas like marine economy, infrastructure, agriculture, national defence and education, she said. 

Noting Việt Nam’s reform efforts, Ngân said the country had received valuable support from the Netherlands in these efforts through various co-operation programmes. 

The leader expressed her belief that the bilateral relationship would continue to yield fruit, and that cultural and art exchange programmes, along with investment and trade promotion forums, will help bring them closer together. 

Speaking at the ceremony, Dutch Minister of Infrastructure and Water Management Cora van Nieuwenhuizen, emphasized the similarities shared by Việt Nam and the Netherlands. 

She applauded co-operative achievements gained by the two countries over the past decade, especially in water management and climate change combat, with the most noteworthy the Mekong Delta Plan 2013. 

The Netherlands wanted to maintain close co-operation with Việt Nam towards a Mekong Delta of sustainability and prosperity, she said. — VNS