On the afternoon of May 29, Mr. Do Thanh Trung, Deputy Secretary of the Hai Phong Party Committee and Chairman of the Hai Phong People’s Committee, received Rear Admiral Jeanette Morang, Special Envoy of the Chief of Defence of the Netherlands and Head of the Royal Netherlands Navy delegation, together with H.E. Mr. Kees van Baar, Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands to Vietnam, on the occasion of the friendly visit of the frigate HNLMS De Ruyter to Hai Phong.
Attending the meeting on behalf of Hai Phong were representatives of relevant departments, agencies, and units, including the Department of Foreign Affairs, Department of Finance, Department of Construction, Department of Industry and Trade, the Office of the People’s Committee, the Hai Phong Military Command, the Hai Phong Border Guard Command, the Hai Phong Vietnam–Netherlands Friendship and Cooperation Association, and Naval Region 1 Command.
At the meeting, Chairman Do Thanh Trung warmly welcomed the delegation to Hai Phong and affirmed that the city highly values and wishes to further strengthen cooperation with Dutch partners, building on the positive achievements attained over recent years.
Providing an overview of the city’s socio-economic development, the Chairman noted that Hai Phong is currently the largest seaport city in northern Vietnam, serving as a major industrial and logistics hub as well as an important international gateway for trade. With a vision of becoming a modern, green, smart, and sustainable industrial city, Hai Phong is actively expanding international cooperation, attracting investment, and promoting key sectors such as seaport development, logistics, high-tech industries, digital transformation, and green growth.
The Chairman also highly appreciated the valuable contributions made by Dutch businesses and partners to the city’s development. The Netherlands remains one of Hai Phong’s most active and effective European partners, particularly in maritime affairs, logistics, urban development, environmental management, and human resource training.
On behalf of the delegation, Rear Admiral Jeanette Morang expressed her gratitude for the warm hospitality and excellent coordination provided by Hai Phong authorities to both the delegation and the crew of HNLMS De Ruyter. She noted that the Netherlands was delighted to return to Hai Phong following the visit of HNLMS Tromp in 2024 and highly valued the constructive cooperation and support between the two sides in various exchange and international cooperation activities.
Rear Admiral Morang shared that the Netherlands would continue to deploy naval vessels to the Indo-Pacific region on a regular basis to enhance exchanges, mutual understanding, and cooperation with partners throughout the region. The delegation also expressed its admiration for the impressive development of Hai Phong’s port system and its interest in learning more about the city’s role in international trade networks, as well as its economic partnerships and connectivity with regional and international counterparts.
In response, Chairman Do Thanh Trung highlighted Hai Phong’s notable achievements in developing its seaport infrastructure, logistics network, and international cooperation. The city currently maintains cooperative relationships with numerous foreign localities, organizations, and partners, while continuously enhancing its international connectivity in order to strengthen its role as a key gateway for northern Vietnam.
The meeting took place in a cordial, open, and friendly atmosphere, contributing to greater mutual understanding and further consolidating cooperation between Hai Phong and Dutch partners.
During the discussions, Rear Admiral Jeanette Morang also noted that during HNLMS De Ruyter’s visit to Hai Phong from May 29 to June 1, the delegation would participate in a range of cultural, sports, and sightseeing activities throughout the city. These accompanying activities are expected to enhance mutual understanding, deepen friendship, and further promote cooperation between the two sides.