Vietnam, Netherlands Strengthen Cooperation in Crime Combat

Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam (R) and new Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar. Photo: VNA

During a reception in Hanoi on November 11, Lam said since the establishment of diplomatic ties on April 9, 1973, Vietnam and the Netherlands have witnessed growing friendship and cooperation in the fields of politics, diplomacy, economy, trade, education and training.

The two countries have regularly maintained high-level visits and exchanges, conducted diverse activities to raise mutual understanding, and broaden collaboration in priority areas, the minister was cited by VietnamPlus as saying.

At the same time, ties between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Dutch law enforcement agencies have been increasingly tightened in various fields, particularly in crime prevention and control. The two sides have maintained and promoted the exchange of high-level delegations and experts to discuss and launch specific cooperation contents.

Minister of Public Security Gen. To Lam (R) and new Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar. Photo: VNA

In order to push forward ties in the coming time, Minister Lam suggested both sides continue with the exchange of delegations at all levels to share experience and information about transnational crime, and sign agreements on crime combat and judicial assistance, thus creating a legal corridor for their joint fight against transnational crime.

The ambassador was asked to boost joint work between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Dutch agencies, especially in personnel training, sharing of experience in ensuring cyber security and fighting environmental crimes.

Ambassador Kees van Baar vowed that in his capacity, he will serve as a bridge to raise mutual understanding, step up coordination in promising fields and particularly in security and order, connect the two countries’ relevant agencies and between the Vietnamese Ministry of Public Security and Dutch partners in particular to implement cooperation activities within the signed agreements.

Earlier, the ambassador presented his credentials to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc, who thanked the Netherlands for providing Vietnam with 1 million Covid-19 vaccine doses, Nhan dan (People) newspaper said.

The Dutch ambassador presented his credentials to President Nguyen Xuan Phuc. Photo: VNA

On the back of the bilateral comprehensive partnership, he asked the European nation to invest big in Vietnam’s hi-tech and seaport sectors towards raising two-way trade to $30 billion during the ambassador’s tenure.

He thanked the Netherlands for its support for Vietnam’s candidacy for the United Nations Human Rights Council for the 2023-2025 tenure and noted that Vietnam backs the Netherlands’ bid for a seat at the council for the 2024-2026 term.

Kees Van Baar, for his part, said water management and climate change response should be one of the priorities in their bilateral ties. He also wished to enhance bilateral trade and investment and encourage Dutch firms to operate effectively in Vietnam.

As 2023 marks the 50th founding anniversary of diplomatic ties, he said Dutch firms will work with Vietnam to hold seminars and conferences to share experience in climate change response. The Netherlands will also push for the EU’s lifting of a “yellow card” warning on Vietnamese seafood, he added./.