Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte (C) in his first visit to Vietnam on June 16-17, 2014 (Source: VNA)Hanoi (VNA) – Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam ElsbethAkkerman has stated that the upcoming Vietnam visit by Dutch Prime MinisterMark Rutte will affirm the importance of bilateral partnership between the twocountries in a modern context.
In an interview recently granted to the Vietnam News Agency,Akkerman said the Dutch PM will be accompanied by the Minister of Infrastructureand Water Management; Deputy Minister of Agriculture, Nature, and Food Quality;and over 100 businesspeople from 70 Dutch firms.
Since the two countries established bilateral diplomaticties in 1973, their key cooperation areas have covered agriculture, foodsecurity, water management, and climate change.
She said the Dutch government has pledged to achievesustainable development goals, especially in climate change. According to her,the two PMs will discuss the issue during their meetings.
The ambassador said that water management and agricultureare the most outstanding cooperation areas between both sides. Notably, theMekong Delta Plan – which was compiled and launched by the two nations’governments, research institutes, and localities – is a shining example of this.Based on that, the Vietnamese Government issued Resolution No.130 on thesustainable development of the Mekong Delta visions to 2100.
Regarding cooperation prospects, she lauded maritimenavigation as a promising area. The northern port city of Hai Phong and Ho ChiMinh City are both home to large-scale facilities for shipbuilding, portmanagement, and inland waterway transportation. The use of inland waterwaysinstead of roads can help mitigate environmental pollution.
She said the Netherlands is studying smart transportationmodes that are suitable for Vietnam to ease pressure on the environment.
As the European country is experienced in urbanisationsolutions, it also seeks cooperation opportunities with Vietnam and major citiessuch as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi in connectivity and subscription servicesusing smart technology, she said.
Discussing top priorities during her tenure in Vietnam, shesaid she will closely monitor Dutch firms and their responsibility to thecountry’s working, natural, and social environments; fully develop and tap intoyoung talents for Vietnam’s development; as well as pay attention to women’sactivities, gender equality, empowerment for women, and the LGBT community toensure they are given fair opportunities. –VNA
VNA
