The people of the two countries Vietnam and the Netherlands share many similarities, including the extraordinary will and energy, creative spirit in the fight against natural disasters, against the domination and oppression of outside forces.
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| Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga (first row, third from right) took photo with the Executive Board of the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association for the term 2022–2027, December 21, 2022 in Hanoi. Photo: VNA |
Close friendship
Images of marches and demonstrations strongly against the American war of aggression in Vietnam by Dutch friends in the 60s and early 70s of the last century are still imprinted in the memory of the Vietnamese people.
In November 1968, Dutch people who loved Vietnam established the Medical Committee Netherlands-Vietnam (MCNV) to support medicine for the worst hit areas in Vietnam.
Diplomatic relations between Vietnam and the Netherlands were officially established in 1973, creating more favorable conditions for people-to-people exchanges between the two countries. Friendship cooperation and humanitarian assistance continued to be strengthened even during the years of Vietnam's siege and embargo.
The Vietnamese people always appreciate and are grateful for the valuable support and help that the Dutch people have given Vietnam in the struggle for national independence and unification in the past, as well as in the present cause of national construction and defense.
Foundation of the partnership
The close friendship between the people of Vietnam and the Netherlands is the foundation for the development of relations between the two countries. Along with the strong development of the two countries' relations, people-to-people exchanges between the two countries are increasingly strengthened and expanded.
Established in 2013, the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association, a member organization of the Viet Nam Union of Friendship Organizations, gathered many intellectuals, scientists, taking on the key role in promoting people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.
With the help of the Embassy of Vietnam in the Netherlands and the Embassy of the Netherlands in Vietnam, the Association organized screenings of films by famous Dutch director Joris Iven about Vietnam and President Ho Chi Minh.
They brought to the public valuable documents about Vietnam's history, the heroic resistance war of the Vietnamese people for independence and freedom, as well as the affection of international friends for Vietnam.
The association coordinated with Dutch partners to organize many promotional activities to introduce the country, people, cultural traditions and sports of Vietnam and the Netherlands to the people of the two countries.
The Vietnam-Netherlands friendship spreads to localities through various activities organized by VUFO, the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association at the central and local levels.
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| Ambassador Nguyen Phuong Nga. Photo: HAGUFO |
With people-to-people diplomacy as a bridge to support, and promote cooperation between organizations and businesses of the two sides, the association helped enhance the Vietnam-Netherlands relationship in cooperation on clean water management, handling environmental issues, coping with climate change, scientific and technical support, education and training.
Dutch Non-government organizations (NGOs) came to Vietnam early (in the 1990s). They focused on long-term programs and projects in the fields of health, agriculture, poverty reduction, policy support, sustainable development and environment.
In the last 3 years, the average budget of Dutch NGOs for programs and projects in Vietnam is about US $12 million/year.
Develop network of friends, new partners
VUFO and the Vietnam-Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association will focus on strengthening relations with existing partners, continuing to expand and develop a network of new friends and partners in Vietnam and the Netherlands.
They utilized potential cooperation in fields such as investment, trade, agriculture, irrigation, water management, education, and tourism, to mobilize resources in terms of finance, knowledge, experience and technology to serve the socio-economic development goals of the country.
Through people-to-people exchanges, they inform the Dutch people about Vietnam's achievements in all aspects of development, historical and cultural traditions imbued with national identity, and rich spiritual life of Vietnamese people.
President Ho Chi Minh once said "Nothing in the sky is more precious than the people. In the world, nothing is more precious than the united force of the people."
Following his teachings, those who do people-to-people diplomacy will strive to cultivate the friendship between the people of Vietnam and the Netherlands, promote the development of the Vietnam-Netherlands comprehensive partnership to new heights.
It meets the aspirations and interests of the two peoples and contributes to peace, stability and sustainable development in the region and the world./.
Long Pham / Source: Vietnamtimes
