Participants of the “Maritime Governance and International Law: Skills Training” Course Visit Royal Netherlands Navy Vessel in Hai Phong

During the visit, participants were introduced to the vessel’s history, missions and capabilities. Members of the Dutch crew also shared insights into life at sea, training activities, and the role of the Royal Netherlands Navy in global maritime security and humanitarian assistance missions.

Speaking about the Netherlands’ Indo-Pacific approach, Dutch Deputy Foreign Minister Marcel de Vink reaffirmed the Netherlands’ support for the peaceful resolution to regional issues, underscored the importance of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) and welcomed ongoing efforts to conclude an effective and substantive Code of Conduct in the South China Sea (COC) for maintaining regional stability. He also expressed the Netherlands’ desire to strengthen the comprehensive partnership with Viet Nam and to work with regional partners to uphold international law and the international rules-based order. Dutch Ambassador to Viet Nam Kees van Baar highlighted the importance of the South China Sea for regional and global trade and maritime security, while underscoring the compliance with international law at sea.

The visit is a valuable opportunity for Vietnamese participants to gain first-hand exposure to  practical naval working environment and life at sea, complementing the topics discussed throughout the training course.

Frigate HNLMS De Ruyter paid a goodwill visit to Hai Phong from 29 May to 1 June 2026. The visit is part of ongoing efforts to strengthen mutual understanding, build trust, and enhance cooperation between Viet Nam and the Netherlands, particularly in the maritime domain.

The 9^th training course on “Maritime Governance and International Law: Skills training" is part of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Diplomatic Academy of Vietnam and the Clingendael Academy for the 2022-2025 period, funded by the Embassy of the Netherlands in Viet Nam. The course brought together participants across ministries, agencies, and professional backgrounds. Focusing on international law of the sea and ocean governance, the programme combined in-depth lectures with practical activities designed to enhance participants’ knowledge and professional skills.

Ngan Do
Photo: Hong Minh