Attending the ceremony were representatives of the municipal authorities and relevant agencies; cadres and personnel from the Naval Region 1 Command; and representatives of several military and civilian agencies. Dutch Ambassador to Vietnam Kees van Baar and Defense Attaché of the Netherlands to Vietnam Colonel Erik Ensing were also present at the event.
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Representative of the Naval Region 1 Command welcomes and presents flowers to Commander Rodger de Wit (left). |
Since the establishment of diplomatic relations in 1973 and the elevation of ties to a comprehensive partnership in 2019, Vietnam - Netherlands relations in general, and bilateral defense cooperation in particular, have been constantly strengthened and expanded, achieving positive results across various areas.
Based on the Memorandum of Understanding on Defense Cooperation signed in 2011, the two sides have promoted cooperation in delegation exchanges, education and training, and defense industry.
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Delegates welcome Commander Rodger de Wit, Commanding Officer of the HNLMS De Ruyter. |
In the time ahead, both sides will continue to enhance cooperation in delegation exchanges, education and training, experience sharing, and technology transfer, particularly in the maritime sector, shipbuilding, and hydrography, which the Netherlands has strengths.
“The visit of the HNLMS De Ruyter reaffirms our commitment to Vietnam and the broader Indo-Pacific region, particularly in the areas of naval cooperation, respect for international law, and freedom of navigation in international waters,” Ambassador Kees van Baar stated.
During the visit, the ship’s command group will pay courtesy calls on leaders of the Hai Phong Municipal People’s Committee and the Naval Region 1 Command, and participate in sports exchanges with officers and sailors of Naval Region 1.
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Delegates pose for a group photo. |
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An overview of the HNLMS De Ruyter of the Royal Netherlands Navy |
These activities will help strengthen mutual understanding and trust between naval officers and sailors of the two countries, thereby deepening and enhancing the substantial bilateral defense cooperation.
Translated by Chung Anh