Vietnam, Netherlands set up strategic partnership on agriculture

At the talks, PM Dung described PM Rutte's 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 socioeconomic 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 co-operation with Vietnam.

The two PMs commented that the friendship and co-operation between Vietnam and the Netherlands have seen 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 have created favourable conditions for their businesses to enhance collaborations, especially in such priority areas as climate change, water management, agriculture, energy, marine economy, logistics services and shipbuilding.

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

PM 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 co-operation and mutual support at multilateral forums such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting and the ASEAN-EU Co-operation Forum.

PM Rutte said his country would back Vietnam in enhancing its comprehensive ties with the EU, and encourage the European Commission to soon ratify a framework agreement on partnership and comprehensive co-operation with Vietnam and recognise Vietnam as a full market economy when negotiations for the EU-Vietnam Free Trade Agreement 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 over the current situation, confirming that the Netherlands shares the view put forward in 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 co-operation in developing the Son My liquefied natural gas 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 co-operation, 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 support for Vietnam's shipbuilding industry, while sharing experience in environment, agriculture, water management, education and training through co-operation 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).

(Source: Nhandan Online)