Belgian monarchs’ Vietnam visit to bring bilateral ties to new height: Deputy FM
Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1973 and launched a strategic partnership framework in agriculture in 2018. In recent years, bilateral ties have flourished across multiple sectors.
King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium (Source: The Week)
Hanoi (VNA) 𓄧– The upcoming state visit to Vietnam by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde of Belgium is a special one with a significant meaning for both sides, which is expected to open a new chapter in the relations between Vietnam and Belgium, Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang told the press ahead of the historic visit.
This visit, from March 31 to April 4, will be the first of its kind in over five decades since diplomatic ties were established, Hang noted, holding that it 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, she stated.
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.
It 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 continues urging the Belgian side to create favourable conditions for the 13,000-strong Vietnamese community in Belgium, encouraging their integration into local society while maintaining their connection to their homeland and enhancing ties between the two countries.
Vietnam and Belgium established diplomatic relations in 1973 and launched a strategic partnership framework in agriculture in 2018. In recent years, bilateral ties have flourished across multiple sectors.
Deputy Foreign Minister Le Thi Thu Hang (Photo: VietnamPlus)
In political and diplomatic spheres, the two countries have consistently demonstrated mutual trust through regular high-level visits, efficient cooperation mechanisms, and close coordination in multilateral forums.
Notably, in October 2023, Belgium's Chamber of Representatives became the first European parliamentary body to pass a resolution supporting Vietnamese Agent Orange victims. This landmark resolution reflects Belgium's strong friendship with Vietnam and raises international awareness of the ongoing challenges faced by these victims.
In economic relations, Belgium is Vietnam's sixth-largest export market in Europe, while Vietnam is Belgium's top ASEAN trading partner. Bilateral trade in 2024 reached 4.45 billion USD, and Belgium currently has 100 investment projects in Vietnam, valued at 1.1 billion USD, spanning transport, logistics, and renewable energy sectors.
Belgium's 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.
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 artistic 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.
Deputy Minister Hang expressed her optimism that the upcoming visit by King Philippe and Queen Mathilde will be a significant success, delivering positive outcomes that further cement bilateral cooperation. The visit is expected to open a new chapter in Vietnam-Belgium relations, fulfilling the aspirations of both peoples and contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development./.
A delegation of the National Assembly (NA) Standing Committee led by its member and Chairman of the NA Committee for Culture and Education Nguyen Dac Vinh paid a working visit to Belgium from December 4-7, with the aim of consolidating and deepening the bilateral friendship.
A delegation of the southern province of Long An led by Nguyen Van Duoc, Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee and Chairman of the provincial People's Council, has visited John Cockerill Group, one of the world’s leading providers of efficient and sustainable energy solutions, as part of their recent working trip to Belgium.
The initiative aims to preserve and promote the Vietnamese language, helping Vietnamese expatriates in Belgium maintain their cultural identity while living far from home.
The trip will be made at the invitations of Chinese Premier Li Qiang and WEF President and CEO Børge Brende, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Long spoke highly of the dynamic, positive, and comprehensive development of Vietnam – Russia relations in recent years. He affirmed that the Vietnamese Party and State place great importance on further strengthening the comprehensive strategic partnership with Russia in a substantive and effective manner, in line with the development needs of both nations.
At the conference, participants reported that the Government has so far issued 28 decrees on the delegation of responsibilities and powers between the central Government and two-tier local administrations. Several localities have already piloted the new governance model.
Reality is the ultimate benchmark for success, he said, urging drafting agencies to work out policies that foster development, reduce bureaucratic hurdles, and respect practical conditions.
Under the official dispatch signed on June 20, ministers, heads of ministerial-level agencies, and chairpersons of provincial and municipal People’s Committees are requested to concentrate efforts on implementing core measures to ensure the smooth operations of the new administrative framework.
The Party chief underscored the need for the press to innovate relentlessly, evolve to keep pace with the country's development, transform into a truly professional, humanistic, and modern sector that serves the cause of the Party, the State, and the people on the path to national construction and development.
The UN Secretary-General praised Vietnam’s remarkable achievements in socio-economic development and international integration in recent years, noting that the country has emerged as a model in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), promoting international peace and security, and engaging in key UN processes.
Nghia affirmed that this is a milestone of special significance, affirming and honouring the the Vietnamese revolutionary press’s glorious tradition of 100 years of serving the revolutionary cause of the Party, serving the Fatherland, and serving the people.
The Party and State of Vietnam always attach great importance to and give top priority to the development of Vietnam–China relations. Vietnam is ready to work with the Chinese Party and State to further deepen the Comprehensive Strategic Cooperative Partnership and promote the building of the Vietnam-China community with a shared future that carries strategic significance.
Under the leadership of President Ho Chi Minh and the CPV, President Cuong said, the press has been a steadfast force on the ideological and cultural front, rallying the masses to pursue national aspirations.
NA Chairman Tran Thanh Man stressed the need to accelerate the application of artificial intelligence and smart teaching equipment, innovate teaching and assessment methods, and further improve the quality of formal education.
He also pledged that the NA will promote its ongoing supervision, making sure that every promise must lead to results, and every commitment must bring about real changes.
Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien welcomed the proposals put forward by the US side and reiterated Vietnam’s request for consideration of key areas of interest, including reciprocal tariff policies and access for Vietnamese key export products to the US market.
Deputy PM Le Thanh Long proposed countries promote shared values, including building trust, sincerity, and solidarity among nations and peoples; fostering cooperation spirit and responsible behaviour as well as upholding international law and the UN Charter; and placing people at the centre and as the goal, the key player, and the driving force of all policies.
The show, together with a grand parade to be held silmutaneously at Ba Dinh Square in Hanoi, will celebrate the 80th anniversary of the August Revolution, the National Day, and the General Staff of the Vietnam People’s Army (VPA).
In particular, in April 2023, the two sides successfully carried out a joint operation that dismantled a major organised, transnational drug trafficking ring involving both Vietnamese and Cambodian suspects.
The Vietnamese Embassy in Israel is closely coordinating with relevant local agencies to stay informed and provide the utmost support possible for Vietnamese nationals.
The launch of Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper in 1925, even before the founding of the Communist Party of Vietnam, is considered a testament to President Ho Chi Minh’s strategic foresight and strong belief in the guiding power of the revolutionary media.
