General Secretary, President To Lam and his spouse will undertake a state visit to Denmark and official visits to the European Union (EU) and Belgium from 19/10 to 24/10. This was announced today by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs spokesperson, following invitations from King Frederik X and Queen of Denmark, European Council President Antonio Costa, and Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever.

General Secretary, President To Lam and his spouse. *Photo: VNA*

Denmark holds historical significance as one of the first Western nations to establish diplomatic relations with Vietnam in 1971. Today, Denmark's economic presence in Vietnam is substantial, with over 150 active businesses and 174 valid projects. Its total registered capital exceeds 2 billion USD, placing Denmark 21st among 153 countries and territories investing in Vietnam.

Vietnam and the EU elevated their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership during the European Council President's visit to Vietnam in 1/2026. This partnership underscores deepening cooperation across various sectors.

The Vietnam-EU Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA), implemented six years ago, has significantly boosted bilateral trade. Vietnam has become the EU's largest trade partner in ASEAN, while the EU stands as Vietnam's 4th largest trade partner and 6th largest investor. Two-way trade turnover reached 73.8 billion USD in 2025, an 8% increase from 2024. In the first six months of 2026, bilateral trade continued its upward trend, reaching 41.44 billion USD, a 16.3% rise over the same period in 2025.

Beyond trade, cooperation in science, technology, and innovation is emerging as a new pillar in Vietnam's relations with many EU member states, reflecting a shift towards advanced collaborative areas.

Vietnam and Belgium share traditional friendly relations dating back to 1973. The two nations formalized a strategic partnership in agriculture in 2018. The King of Belgium has visited Vietnam multiple times, including three visits as Crown Prince in 1994, 2003, and 2013, and as head of state in 2025. Notably, the Belgian Federal House of Representatives is the only foreign parliament to pass a resolution calling for support for Agent Orange victims in Vietnam.

Economically, Belgium is Vietnam's 6th largest trade partner within the EU, and conversely, Vietnam is Belgium's largest trade partner in ASEAN, highlighting robust bilateral commerce.

Huyen Le