Ceremony marks 50 anniversary of Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic ties in HCM City: Delegates attend the event. (Photo: VNA)

Speaking at the event, Chairman of the municipal People’s Committee Phan Van Mai said that the celebration is a chance to take a look back on the development journey of the two countries’ traditional relations, and reaffirm the bilateral commitments and act together for a future with new, bigger and brighter cooperation prospects.

Based on the fine relationship between the two countries, Ho Chi Minh City is always among localities that have actively promoted cooperation with the Netherlands.

Trade between the Vietnamese metropolis and the European nation reached 1.6 billion USD last year. The latter is currently running 185 projects totaling over 5 billion USD, ranking fifth out of 117 countries and territories pouring capital into the former, he stressed.

Chairman Mai also expressed his belief that with the determination of leaders at all levels and joint efforts of the two peoples, the Vietnam - Netherlands Comprehensive Partnership in general, and cooperation between Ho Chi Minh City and Dutch localities in particular will develop further, for the benefits of the two peoples, and for peace, stability and prosperity of the region and the world.

Ceremony marks 50 anniversary of Vietnam-Netherlands diplomatic ties in HCM City: An art performance at the event. (Photo: VNA)

Dutch Consul General in Ho Chi Minh City Daniel Stork stated that the Netherlands and Vietnam have continuously upgraded their relationship, and worked together in addressing important global challenges such as climate change, sustainable agriculture, and water management. The two countries have focused their efforts on exchanging, cooperating and sharing experiences with Dutch public and business partners for the sustainable future of the Mekong Delta as well as protection of the Vietnamese coast.

He said the Netherlands wishes to tighten relations between the two countries’ governments, businesses and peoples, with the connectivity based on the spirit of openness, diversity and together overcoming the challenges that both are facing with sustainable solutions for the future./.