Hanoi (VNA)🃏 - The state visit of Belgian King Philippe and Queen Mathilde to Vietnam from March 31 to April 4 is expected to open up a new chapter of development for the bilateral relations.

Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang said that the trip holds great significance to both countries. This visit, the first of its kind in over five decades since the diplomatic ties were established, takes place when Vietnam is entering a new era of growth. It is set to mark a historic milestone in the two nations' relations, bringing the ties into a new phase of development, with higher political trust, and increasingly effective and substantive cooperation.

Vietnam-Belgium relationship continuously strengthened

Vietnam and Belgium officially established their diplomatic relations on March 22, 1973, just two months after the Paris Agreement on ending the war and restoring peace in Vietnam was signed. Over the past more than 50 years, the bilateral relationship has been continuously strengthened and developed across various fields, particularly in politics-diplomacy, trade, agriculture, education and training, science and technology, and development cooperation, at both the federal, regional, and community levels. In political and diplomatic spheres, the two countries have consistently demonstrated mutual trust through regular high-level visits, efficient cooperation mechanisms, and close coordination at multilateral forums. Belgium has always valued its relationship with Vietnam, and appreciated the country's economic development. It has also been an international partner contributing positively to Vietnam's success through development cooperation programmes. The two nations have actively coordinated at multilateral forums, especially at the United Nations and within the frameworks of the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM) and ASEAN-EU cooperation.

Vibrant economic, trade, investment cooperation

Economic, trade, and investment cooperation between the two countries has yielded many positive results. Belgium is Vietnam's 6th largest export market in Europe, while Vietnam is Belgium's largest trade partner in ASEAN. Bilateral trade has grown rapidly, from 1.8 billion USD in 2013 to 4.45 billion USD last year. The turnover hit 585.7 million USD in the first two months. Belgium currently has 100 investment projects in Vietnam, valued at 1.1 billion USD, spanning maritime transport, logistics, and renewable energy sectors. Its Port of Antwerp-Zeebrugge serves as a crucial gateway for Vietnamese exports to Europe, playing a vital role in Vietnam's ambitious economic growth objectives. Meanwhile, Vietnamese businesses have poured a total of 12.6 million USD in four projects in the manufacturing and processing industries in the European country. As strategic partners in agriculture, the two countries have implemented various technical cooperation programmes, linking agricultural universities and research institutes. They have also collaborated to develop a waterway logistics network to boost Vietnam's agricultural exports to Europe, promote smart cold chain logistics, and enhance cacao industry development and food safety standards. Cooperation has also flourished in fields such as defence and security, science and technology, innovation, culture, education, and local partnerships. Both nations have established cooperation in mine clearance, military medicine, and military science and technology while also facilitating military cadet training. Efforts are underway to expand collaboration in artificial intelligence (AI), green technology, and the semiconductor industry. Cultural exchanges remain vibrant, with frequent art performances, exhibitions, film weeks, and joint language and research projects. Each year, Belgium grants 40 postgraduate scholarships to Vietnamese students, further enhancing educational cooperation. Vietnamese cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hue, and Can Tho have formed strong partnerships with Belgium's regions. The Vietnamese community in Belgium currently numbers around 13,000. They are known for their solidarity, mutual support, strong ties with their homeland, and active integration into local society, earning high praise from Belgian authorities at all levels.

Lifting Vietnam-Belgium relations to new height

According to Deputy Foreign Minister Hang, the visit reflects King Philippe and Queen Mathilde's deep affection for Vietnam. While this is their first visit in an official capacity, it is also a meaningful return to a country where they have fond memories from previous visits.

The visit underscores Vietnam's steadfast foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, and proactive international integration. It also reaffirms Vietnam's commitment to strengthening ties with Belgium, a key partner within the European Union. The visit is expected to boost political trust and expand collaboration in key areas, notably trade, investment, and agriculture. It will reinforce the Vietnam-Belgium Strategic Partnership in Agriculture, established in 2018, while advancing cooperation in education, science-technology, and cultural exchanges. Joining the Belgian royal delegation will be 34 CEOs from prominent Belgian and EU corporations specialising in logistics, maritime services, energy transition, healthcare, and food. Additionally, 16 academic leaders from top Belgian universities and research institutions will accompany the visit, underscoring Belgium's ambition to deepen existing partnerships and identify new cooperation opportunities in Vietnam. Through the visit, Vietnam will continue urging the Belgian side to create favourable conditions for the Vietnamese community living there, encouraging their integration into local society while maintaining their connection to their homeland and enhancing ties between the two countries. Hang expressed her optimism that the upcoming visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be a great success, delivering positive outcomes that further cement bilateral cooperation. It is expected to open a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations, fulfilling the aspirations of both countries’ people and contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development./.