Deputy Foreign Minister highlights significance of To Lam's upcoming European tour

The tour will take the top Vietnamese leader to Denmark, the European Union (EU), and Belgium.

Speaking ahead of the tour, Le said it would mark the first state visit to Denmark by a General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam and the first official visits to the EU and Belgium by General Secretary and President To Lam. The visits follow the successful 14th National Party Congress and the election of deputies to the 16th National Assembly.

According to the Deputy Foreign Minister, the tour conveys a strong message about Viet Nam's foreign policy in its new development phase, demonstrating the country's commitment to strengthening political trust and expanding cooperation with key European partners.

The tour is expected to inject fresh momentum for cooperation in trade, investment, science and technology, innovation, green growth and sustainable development, while opening a new chapter in Viet Nam's relations with Denmark, the EU and Belgium through more substantive and effective partnerships.

Viet Nam-Denmark relations

To Lam's Denmark visit takes place as the two countries celebrate the 55th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026.

Over the years, bilateral ties have evolved from strategic partnerships in climate change, energy, environment and green growth to a Comprehensive Partnership and a Green Strategic Partnership, laying a solid foundation for broader cooperation.

Le said the visit would provide an opportunity for both sides to define strategic orientations, further upgrade bilateral ties and promote Viet Nam-Denmark relations as a model partnership between Viet Nam and a Nordic country.

Denmark was among the first Western countries to establish diplomatic relations with Viet Nam, while its public strongly supported Viet Nam's struggle for independence and national reunification.

Bilateral cooperation has since shifted from development assistance towards equal partnership and mutual benefit. Denmark has become one of the EU's major investors in Viet Nam, with Danish businesses making notable contributions to seaports, maritime transport, logistics and green industries. The quality of Danish investment and its emphasis on green growth have further strengthened the partnership.

Viet Nam-EU Comprehensive Strategic Partnership

Viet Nam and the EU upgraded their relations to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership in January 2026, creating new opportunities to expand cooperation across strategic areas.

Le described Viet Nam as a bridge between ASEAN and the EU, noting that To Lam's upcoming visit would help reinforce the Southeast Asian country's role in promoting cooperation between the two regional blocs.

Building on more than 35 years of diplomatic relations, both sides are expected to further strengthen key pillars of cooperation, including trade, investment, science and technology, and workforce training.

The upgrade, announced during European Council President António Costa's visit to Viet Nam in January 2026, made Viet Nam the first ASEAN country to establish such a high-level partnership with the EU, reflecting strong political trust and a shared strategic vision for the new development phase.

Economic cooperation remains a major driver of the partnership. Six years after the EU-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) took effect, the EU has become Viet Nam's fourth-largest trading partner and sixth-largest investor, while Viet Nam has emerged as the EU's largest trading partner in ASEAN.

Bilateral cooperation is also expanding in science and technology, innovation, green transition, digital transformation and the marine economy, providing fresh impetus for bilateral relations.

Unlocking new opportunities with Belgium

To Lam's tour to Belgium follows King Philippe's state visit to Viet Nam in April 2025 and comes against the backdrop of more than five decades of diplomatic relations.

The two countries have maintained a high level of political trust, with their Strategic Partnership in agriculture, established in 2018, serving as an important foundation for cooperation.

Le said Viet Nam and Belgium would seek to achieve further breakthroughs in areas where Belgium has considerable strengths and Viet Nam has growing development needs, including science and technology, semiconductors, renewable energy, green agriculture, innovation, logistics and smart seaports.

Bilateral cooperation has delivered positive results in trade, investment, agriculture, education, and science and technology, while complementary economic strengths offer substantial scope for further expansion.

Remarkably, Belgium's House of Representatives is the first foreign parliament to have adopted a resolution calling for support for Vietnamese victims of Agent Orange, said Le, describing the move as a powerful expression of friendship, humanitarian commitment and solidarity with Viet Nam in addressing the consequences of war./.