Policy speech by General Secretary, President To Lam at Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations

Mr. President of the Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations,

Distinguished Delegates, Scholars, Researchers, and Members of the Diplomatic Corps,

Together with the high-level delegation of Viet Nam, I am delighted to be present in the Kingdom of Belgium—the political center of the European Union (EU). The Kingdom of Belgium possesses an invaluable diplomatic heritage: the art of reconciling differences and building consensus. This capacity to govern diversity has transformed this land into a symbol of the ethos of "Unity in Diversity"—a core philosophy to which the EU, ASEAN, and the international community attribute paramount importance in today's volatile world.

Following four decades of Doi Moi (Renovation), emerging from a war-torn, blockaded and embargoed nation, Viet Nam has risen to become a leading trade and investment partner of the EU in Southeast Asia. That journey affirms a fundamental truth: Regardless of differences in political systems or levels of development, if nations share a common faith in dialogue, mutually beneficial cooperation, and respect for international law, we can fully overcome differences to construct the future.

Today, at the Egmont – Royal Institute for International Relations, I wish to convey three key messages:

First: Identifying the era's strategic shifts—a period of profound transformation that threatens fragmentation yet simultaneously presents novel opportunities, wherein the EU continues to play a central and pioneering role.

Second: The growing convergence of vision, values, and the concept of "strategic autonomy" between Viet Nam and the EU—a solid foundation upon which both sides may advance further together.

Third: Breakthrough strategic orientations in Viet Nam–EU relations, wherein Viet Nam–Belgium relations serve as a dynamic catalyst and vivid testament.

Distinguished Guests,

1. The World Facing Epochal Changes and the Risk of Fragmentation

We are living in an era in which the international order is undergoing profound reshaping. Strategic competition among major powers has deeply penetrated in all core structures: from economics, trade, and supply chains to strategic technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and data standards. The emergence of policies such as "Economic Security" or "De-risking" is creating new boundaries within technological ecosystems and production chains, driving the world toward the risk of severe geo-economic fragmentation.

Multilateralism and the rules-based international order are confronting unprecedented challenges. Unilateralism and protectionist waves are on the rise; central multilateral institutions such as the United Nations (UN) and the World Trade Organization (WTO) face urgent pressure for reform. The world is confronted with a paradox: deeper connectivity through technology, yet faster division due to geopolitics.

Concurrently, the risk of geopolitical conflicts, sovereignty disputes at sea, in outer space, and in cyberspace are acutely intertwined with fierce non-traditional security challenges—ranging from climate change, energy and food crises, to high-tech crime. Reality has proven that no single nation can address these global risks alone.

The strategic imperative before us is: How can we safeguard national autonomy while simultaneously contributing to the construction of an international order that is fair, open, and rules-based? This is the question that demands a joint solution from both Viet Nam and the EU. I firmly believe that the more we engage in dialogue, the more both sides will realize that we share far more strategic commonalities and core values than differences.

Distinguished Guests,

2. Viet Nam's Path of Development: Strategic Autonomy Linked with Comprehensive and Deep International Integration

In response to this question, Viet Nam has adopted the guidelines of action: "Confidence, Autonomy, Self-reliance, Resilience, and National Pride." Self-reliance and resilience cultivate immunity and autonomy, whereas deep international cooperation expands the space for national development. Emerging from war and embargoes, Vietnam resolutely embarked upon Doi Moi—renovating leadership mindsets, institutional frameworks, and operational modalities, while proactively integrating into the global arena.

From an impoverished, war-ravaged country with a per capita GDP of approximately US$84 in 1975, Viet Nam's per capita GDP exceeded US$5,000 by 2025. Viet Nam stands today as a dynamic economy with a GDP scale exceeding US$500 billion, placing it among the top 32 economies globally.

We have established trade relations with over 230 countries and territories and signed 18 Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) involving more than 60 partners. In 2026, we continue to maintain strong growth momentum, aiming for a total trade turnover exceeding US$1.2 trillion. More importantly, growth outcomes have been substantively translated into improving the people's living standards, ensuring social security, and achieving sustainable poverty reduction.

Viet Nam is confidently entering a new era of national development, anchored by two centennial goals: to become a developing country with modern industry by 2030, and a developed, high-income country by 2045. To realize these aspirations, we do not rely on natural resources or low-cost labor, but rather pivot to a growth model driven by knowledge, innovation, digital transformation, and green transition, placing our people at the center.

Simultaneously, Viet Nam remains steadfast in its foreign policy of independence, self-reliance, multilateralization, and diversification.

Nevertheless, the path ahead presents formidable challenges: the risk of the "middle-income trap," pressure to enhance productivity, and the vulnerability of an open economy to geo-economic shocks. To overcome these hurdles, alongside our self-reliant efforts, Viet Nam critically seeks strategic, fair, balanced, and effective partnership from the international community, among which the European Union represents a partner of top importance.

Distinguished Guests,

3. The Position and Role of the European Union in the Global Order

The founding of the European Union stands as a monumental milestone of the 20th century—transforming a continent once devastated by war into a space of peace, prosperity, and deep integration unparalleled worldwide. It offers an inspiring lesson in overcoming history and accepting differences to shape a shared future—a philosophy deeply resonant with the Vietnamese nation.

Today, the EU is not only a leading economic, scientific, and technological hub, but also a pioneer in setting international standards and global governance norms, spanning green economy, digital economy, and artificial intelligence. We highly value the EU's vision of "Strategic Autonomy"—wherein Europe assumes self-reliance in economic security while remaining steadfast in its commitment to multilateralism and international law. Through its Indo-Pacific Strategy, the EU is proactively present, making tangible contributions to peace, stability, and freedom of navigation across the region.

For Viet Nam, relations with the EU hold a unique structural position. The EU was an early strategic partner accompanying Viet Nam from the nascent stages of Doi Moi. Viet Nam takes pride in being the sole Southeast Asian nation maintaining the most comprehensive cooperation architecture with the EU (encompassing eight cooperation frameworks) and establishing strategic or comprehensive partnerships with 11 EU member states.

Cooperation with the EU is not merely a conventional diplomatic relationship; it constitutes a pillar of strategic significance, directly tied to Viet Nam's mindset of multilateralization and diversification, as well as its self-reliant development path. We express our sincere gratitude for the equal, invaluable cooperation and support that the EU and its member states have accorded to Viet Nam over the past decades.

Distinguished Guests,

4. Viet Nam and the EU: Convergence of Interests, Values, and Strategic Vision

Transcending geographical distances and developmental disparities, Viet Nam and the EU share a profound resonance across four strategic pillars:

First, the convergence betwee the "Strategic Autonomy" of both sides and Viet Nam's characteristic "Resilience": Autonomy does not signify isolation or economic decoupling; rather, it entails enhancing self-determination over national development trajectories and destiny.

Within the framework of the EU's "De-risking" and "Global Gateway" strategies, Viet Nam—with its central position in Southeast Asia and high degree of economic openness—serves as a "trusted link" enabling the EU to diversify and secure its supply chains.

Second, a positive perspective on new green standards (such as CBAM and EUDR): We do not view the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism (CBAM) or the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR) as protectionist barriers, but as catalysts for restructuring toward a green economy. Viet Nam stands ready to be a pioneering developing nation in complying with these benchmarks, while seeking the EU's partnership in green technology and finance.

Third, commitment to fairness, transparency, equality, and mutual benefit in Free Trade and Economic Security: The EU–Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (EVFTA) and the Investment Protection Agreement (EVIPA) demonstrate that a developing nation can achieve equitable integration while meeting the highest labor, environmental, and sustainable development standards. Both sides' steadfast commitment to trade liberalization sends a compelling counter-message to protectionism and unilateralism.

Fourth, adherence to the Rule of International Law and Maritime Security (UNCLOS 1982): Both sides regard the United Nations Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS 1982) as the "constitution of the seas and oceans." The East Sea represents a vital maritime sea lane directly tied to Europe's economic security. We highly appreciate the EU's strong voice in safeguarding the integrity of UNCLOS 1982 and maintaining a peaceful presence in the Indo-Pacific.

5. Viet Nam–EU and Viet Nam–Belgium Relations: From Political Resolve to Breakthrough Strategic Cooperation Programs

A framework of relations possesses true vitality only when it fosters deep strategic understanding, interlocking interests, and tangible results. In this regard, Viet Nam–Belgium relations serve as the most vivid testament to the depth of Viet Nam–EU cooperation.

I propose the following breakthrough strategic domains for cooperation in the period ahead:

First, elevating political trust and economic security: Positioning Viet Nam–EU cooperation as a core component within the EU's Indo-Pacific Strategy. Both sides must forge closer linkages in trade and investment, ensure supply chain safe, enhance cooperation in cybersecurity and maritime security, and strengthen EU–Viet Nam–ASEAN coordination to shape a rules-based regional security architecture.

Second, institutionalizing economic, trade, and investment cooperation at a higher level: Building upon the EVFTA and EVIPA, expanding into the digital economy, circular economy, and carbon credit markets. We request the EU's technical assistance to support Vietnamese enterprises in meeting green standards (CBAM, EUDR), while encouraging European investment funds to expand their presence in Viet Nam's strategic infrastructure and logistics.

Third, driving breakthroughs in science and technology, semiconductors, and innovation: In alignment with the European Chips Act and the EU Artificial Intelligence Strategy, Viet Nam proposes linking our respective tech ecosystems, focusing on cooperation with Belgium—home to IMEC, one of the world's premier semiconductor research centers. We aim to establish joint R&D centers for semiconductors, responsible artificial intelligence, and biotechnology, while interconnecting our innovation startup networks.

Fourth, accelerating green transition and a Just Energy Transition: Realizing the Net-Zero 2050 target and the Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP) agreement by combining the EU's green finance and technology (such as offshore wind and green hydrogen) with Viet Nam's potential. Cooperation must mobilize both the private sector and local authorities on both sides, particularly regarding climate change adaptation in the Mekong Delta.

Fifth, strengthening the foundations of education, training, and people-to-people exchanges: Establishing a sustainable "Knowledge Alliance" based on the legacy of cooperation between Belgian and Vietnamese universities, while leveraging the "soft power" role of the Vietnamese community in Belgium and across Europe as a enduring cultural bridge.

With its position as one of the Southeast Asian nations maintaining the most comprehensive cooperation with the EU, and currently serving as the coordinator for ASEAN–EU relations, Viet Nam stands ready to serve as a "sanbox" and strategic bridge to elevate ASEAN–EU cooperation into an exemplary inter-regional axis, contributing substantively to peace and prosperity across both continents.

6. Shared Aspirations for a Peaceful and Prosperous Future

Visiting the Egmont Institute today—standing in a place named after Count Egmont, who chose to stand with the people and the ideals of freedom to become an immortal symbol of courage and dialogue—I perceive a profound resonance. The Vietnamese nation has likewise endured and overcome countless historical storms through the very spirit of independence, resilience, and an ardent yearning for peace.

Viet Nam is stepping into a new era of development with the overarching objective of building a prosperous nation, a modern and green economy, and a humane society.

I hope that from this auditorium at the Egmont Institute today, European policymakers and scholars will perceive in Viet Nam a "trusted partner nation" and a "strategic link" connecting the Eurasian continents. As this vision is translated into reality, Viet Nam–EU and Viet Nam–Belgium relations will transcend the pages of diplomatic documents to become a vibrant economic, knowledge, and technological corridor connecting Ha Noi and Brussels.

Allow me to conclude by reflecting upon the harmonious confluence of two inspiring sources: the motto embedded in the coat of arms of the Kingdom of Belgium, "Unity Makes Strength" (L'union fait la force), and the enduring testament of President Ho Chi Minh: "Unity, unity, grand unity. Success, success, grand success."

This represents the common denominator for our new era: Unity in diversity, walking hand in hand while respecting differences, to jointly write a new chapter of peace and prosperity for both our continents.

Thank you very much./.

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