India and Netherlands hold 11th Foreign Office Consultations in New Delhi

Tags: International News

India and Netherlands held 11th Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi on 19th December.

Important facts

• The Indian delegation was led by Sanjay Verma, Secretary (West), Ministry of External Affairs and the Dutch side was led by Paul Huijts, Secretary General, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Netherlands.

• Both sides discussed ways forward in important areas such as Water, Agriculture and Health (WAH Agenda), science and technology, climate innovation and renewable technologies.

• Noting that the Netherlands is India's third largest export partner in Europe, the two sides are looking to strengthen their trade ties through the Joint Trade and Investment Committee meeting next year.

• The two countries have also exchanged views on regional and global issues of mutual interest including Afghanistan, Ukraine, Indo-Pacific, European Union, United Nations and climate action.

• Free trade agreement negotiations between India and the European Union and resumption of the connectivity partnership were acknowledged by both sides as key drivers.

• Both countries are also committed to early implementation of the outcome of the India-EU Leaders' Meeting in May 2021.

• This year the two countries are celebrating 75 years of the establishment of diplomatic relations. 

About Netherlands

• The Netherlands, also known as Holland, is a country located in northwestern Europe.

• Monarch: King Willem-Alexander

• Prime Minister: Mark Rutte

• Capital: Amsterdam

• Currency: euro