Bharat and the Netherlands convened their 12th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in The Hague, affirming their commitment to bolster bilateral relations. Led by Pavan Kapoor from Bharat and Paul Hujits from the Netherlands, the delegations discussed avenues for collaboration, particularly in emerging technologies like semiconductors and green hydrogen, signaling a shift toward innovative partnerships.
The meeting, held in Hague, emphasized progress across various sectors such as Water, Agriculture, and Health (WAH agenda), Science & Technology, and High-tech & Innovation.
Both sides hailed the advancements made and explored future cooperation strategies to elevate the bilateral relationship to new heights.
In a statement on X, the Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed satisfaction in hosting Secretary General Paul Huijts and @AmbKapoor, Secretary West @IndianDiplomacy, for constructive bilateral discussions.
Secretary General Paul Huijts was pleased to welcome @AmbKapoor, Secretary West @IndianDiplomacy, to The Hague for bilateral consultations. A valuable exchange on ways to further strengthen our cooperation, bilaterally as well as on global issues of concern to both our countries. pic.twitter.com/oWCqIJBIHZ
— Dutch Ministry of Foreign Affairs 🇳🇱 (@DutchMFA) May 2, 2024
The dialogue encompassed not only bilateral cooperation but also global issues pertinent to both nations, fostering a comprehensive approach to diplomacy.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) shed light on the importance of the FOC in providing a platform to evaluate bilateral progress and chart a course for future cooperation. With a focus on priority sectors like WAH agenda and technology, both countries are poised to deepen their collaboration for mutual benefit.
Of note was the acknowledgment of the burgeoning economic ties between Bharat and the Netherlands. Officials commended the establishment of the Fast Track Mechanism for Bharatiya companies in the Netherlands, underscoring its role in fortifying business-to-business relations.
Furthermore, the substantial presence of the Bharatiya community in the Netherlands was recognized as a vital link enhancing cultural ties and contributing positively to the local economy. Discussions also delved into regional and global issues of mutual interest, reflecting the depth of the bilateral relationship.
During his visit to Nigeria, Pavan Kapoor, representing Bharat, underscored the importance of educational and technological partnerships between Bharat and the Netherlands. His engagements at the Technical University of Delft and the Peace Palace further underscored the multifaceted nature of Indo-Netherlands ties.
Bharat and the Netherlands share a strategic partnership on water management, encompassing cooperation in flood management and clean water technologies.
This partnership underscores the broader framework of collaboration between the two countries, which extends to various sectors such as health, education, cyber, and shipping.
The 12th FOC between Bharat and the Netherlands marks a milestone in their bilateral relations, reflecting a shared commitment to harnessing innovation and cooperation for mutual progress. As both countries look to the future, the potential for deeper engagement in emerging technologies promises to further enrich their longstanding partnership.
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