State President Truong Tan Sang reiterated Vietnam’s recognition of great importance to boosting cooperation with the Netherlands while receiving outgoing Dutch ambassador Joop Scheffer in Hanoi on July 10.

At the reception, President Truong Tan Sang commended the accomplishments ambassador Joop Scheffers has recorded during his five-year term in Vietnam, which he said, have contributed to enhancing ties between the two nations.

Through the ambassador, President also extended greetings to the King and Queen of the Netherlands and an invitation to visit Vietnam in the coming time.

State President Truong Tan Sang (R) receives Dutch ambassador Joop Scheffers in Hanoi.

“The Netherlands is now one of the leading European nations having effective cooperation in Vietnam, with investment totaling approximately US$27 billion which is centered on a number of cooperative areas such as water management and climate change.” Sang said.

The two sides have great potential for cooperation in agriculture, trade and shipbuilding, Sang said while expressing hope that the Netherlands will help accelerate the early signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the European Union (EU). This will be an important prerequisite for boosting stronger economic and trade cooperation between Vietnam and the Netherlands as well as the EU.

Regarding cooperation between the two countries at regional and international forums, President Sang assured his host about Vietnam’s stance on peaceful settlement of the East Sea issue in line with international law.

He said he hopes on the basis of respect for freedom and safety of navigation, the Netherlands supports Vietnam’s consistent view on this issue.

Ambassador Joop Scheffers, in turn, expressed his admiration of Vietnam’s rapid development and hailed the vigorous development of Vietnam-Netherlands ties over the past five years demonstrated by the signing of agreements on healthcare cooperation and strategic partnership.

The Dutch diplomat said that his nation will continue providing ODA for Vietnam and supporting the Southeast Asian country in agriculture, water management, education and shipbuilding.